Plenković: We are not afraid of anyone, a free Croatia is our vow

On the occasion of Victory Day, Homeland Gratitude Day and Croatian Veterans' Day, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković sent strong messages in Knin about the legacy of Operation Storm, the search for the missing, new rights for veterans and the security of Croatia.

He announced an increase in veterans' pensions and the introduction of a supplement that will depend on the length of participation in the defense of the country, and he also said that Croatia "will never again be unprepared or unprotected".

Addressing Croatian defenders, families of the dead and missing, soldiers, police officers and citizens, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stressed that the military-police operation Storm was "the crown of all victories in the Homeland War" and one of the most important moments in Croatian history.

"Storm was a brilliant military victory"

The Prime Minister stressed that Storm was a legitimate liberation operation that marked the end of the occupation of a large part of Croatia.

“Operation Storm was a brilliant military victory, a legitimate liberation operation and the crowning glory of Croatia's fight for freedom,” said Plenković.

He recalled that Croatian defenders, under the leadership of the first Croatian President Franjo Tuđman, liberated the largest part of the occupied territory in just a few days and enabled the return of the displaced to their homes.

He also pointed out that Operation Storm saved Bihać from a humanitarian catastrophe, changed the balance of power in Bosnia and Herzegovina and opened the way to peace and the Dayton Agreement.

Croatia is still searching for 1,725 missing persons

Plenković particularly emphasized the importance of searching for the missing from the Homeland War.

“Their sacrifice obliges us to preserve the truth, search for the missing and establish individual responsibility for each crime,” he said.

He revealed that over the past ten years, 343 missing and fatally injured persons have been identified, but that Croatia is still searching for 1,725 missing persons.

“We will not stop until the fate of each of them is clarified,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Major changes for veterans: Pension supplement is coming

One of the most important announcements from Knin concerned Croatian veterans. Plenković confirmed that the Government will submit amendments to two laws to parliamentary procedure as early as this autumn.

“We will introduce a pension supplement, the amount of which will depend on the length of participation in the defense of Croatia's sovereignty,” he said.

In addition, the lowest veterans' pensions will also be increased, and the last remaining reduction in pensions for members of the army, police and other services, which was introduced in 2002, will be abolished.

The Prime Minister pointed out that these changes will cover around 200,000 Croatian veterans.

"Croatia will never again be unprepared"

Speaking about global security challenges, Plenković warned of the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, the energy crisis and cyber threats.

“Croatia is not competing with anyone in armaments. We do not threaten anyone, but we are not afraid of anyone. We will know how to respond to any threat,” he said.

He added that Croatia will never again allow itself to be unprepared and unprotected.

“If we want peace, we must be able to defend it,” he said.

Rafales, Black Hawks, Leopards and new military equipment

The Prime Minister reminded that the state is investing heavily in the modernization of the army, from Rafale fighter jets and Black Hawk helicopters to Leopard tanks, HIMARS systems, Bayraktar and modern air defense.

“We are acquiring means of deterrence so that no one will ever think of threatening Croatian territory, our airspace or our sea,” he emphasized.

He also announced the further development of the domestic defense industry, including the construction of an ammunition factory, the development of unmanned systems and the production of Croatian-made military equipment.

"There is no greater gift for the Croatian people than freedom"

At the end of his speech, Plenković thanked Croatian veterans and said that freedom is the greatest legacy they have left to future generations.

“There is no greater gift or brighter legacy for the Croatian people than the freedom you have won,” he said.

He added that it is the common responsibility of all citizens to preserve freedom and build a safer, stronger and more prosperous Croatia.

“May the courage of the Croatian defenders be our lasting inspiration, their victory a source of pride, and a free Croatia our common vow,” concluded the Prime Minister in Knin.

Source: HRT