Croatia and France sign new Strategic Partnership Plan during PM’s official visit to Paris

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković began a two-day official visit to France on Monday, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace to reaffirm the two countries’ strategic partnership and deepen bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, Croatia and France signed a new three-year Action Plan on their strategic partnership, along with agreements for the purchase of military equipment and technology.

“This document capitalizes on the momentum we have breathed into our relations and defines new areas for deepening cooperation for the benefit of our two peoples and our actions within the EU. In addition to cooperation between states and public administrations, we will support the strengthening of our economic exchanges,” President Macron said.

Defense cooperation and EU SAFE funding

Plenković, who arrived with a Croatian trade delegation, also highlighted growing cooperation in the defense sector. The delegation took part in an economic forum in Paris, which Macron described as a sign of strong mutual interest among French and Croatian companies—particularly in infrastructure, the energy transition, and digital projects.

“We are particularly pleased with the accelerated dynamics of cooperation in the field of defense,” Plenković said. “Today’s meetings are related to the implementation of the loan that Croatia took from the EU SAFE instrument. Croatia took a loan of 1.7 billion euros. Part of these funds will be invested in the purchase of Caesar self-propelled howitzers for the additional equipment of the Croatian Army, building on our main joint project, the purchase of 12 French Rafale multi-role combat aircraft, all of which are already in Croatia.”

The Prime Minister thanked France for the training of Croatian pilots and technicians, and praised the Croatian Defense Ministry and Armed Forces for preparing the infrastructure needed to integrate the Rafale fleet.

Honoring historical ties

Earlier in the day, Plenković and French Minister of Labor and Solidarity Jean-Pierre Farandou laid a wreath at Les Invalides, at a memorial plaque dedicated to Croatian regiments that served in Napoleon’s Grand Army.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Croatia and France “remain strong allies” with a deepening strategic partnership.

Lecture on European sovereignty

At the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), Plenković delivered a lecture on European sovereignty, warning that the international order is undergoing “profound changes,” that European security is under threat, and that transatlantic relations are strained.

“Borders cannot be changed by force. Ukraine must receive lasting security guarantees, and Europe must be a central party to any peace agreement. Since 2022, we have provided 320 million euros in aid to Ukraine and welcomed more than 30,000 refugees. Let’s be clear — Ukraine is Europe’s first line of defense,” he said.

Responds to French media coverage of Thompson concert

During the event at IFRI, Plenković was also asked about French media coverage of the controversy surrounding the Marko Perković Thompson concert held at Zagreb’s Hippodrome last summer.

“Certain left-leaning observers leap at any opportunity to score some points against us. The discussion around the Thompson concert has received too much attention. It’s a story that has been blown out of proportion and has resonated much more than it should have because of all the articles written by certain left-leaning journalists. That’s all!” Plenković said.

He added that despite the controversy, “nothing has changed,” and emphasized that Croatia is a European democracy where political actors routinely attempt to capitalize on contentious issues. He also pointed to a recent poll showing declining support for the Social Democrats.