Plenković secures military procurement deal in Berlin

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday, following his arrival in the German capital on Tuesday afternoon. 

The meeting focused on a mix of international and defense issues, from Ukraine to European cooperation and Croatia’s military modernization.

Plenković and Merz discussed the EU’s support for Ukraine, including proposals to use frozen Russian assets to help the war-torn country avoid bankruptcy. They also talked about energy policy, economic cooperation, and EU expansion into the Western Balkans.

The centerpiece of the meeting, however, was Croatia’s 1.3 billion euro deal to purchase Leopard tanks. Speaking after the talks, Plenković highlighted the role of the EU-level SAFE initiative in funding the purchase:

"Croatia, together with several other EU Member States, has decided to make use of an EU-level initiative in the field of defense - the SAFE initiative - from which we have requested a loan of 1.7 billion euros. Part of these funds will be used for the procurement and modernization of the Croatian Armed Forces, specifically through the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks. These tanks will be manufactured in Germany and delivered to Croatia over the next few years, in line with the contract and procurement plan."

Merz, meanwhile, emphasized the broader importance of cooperation and European defense.

"We are continually moving closer together and deepening our relations. Our foreign ministers are currently renewing the bilateral action plan, one of the key foundations of our cooperation. We both agree that Europe is facing unprecedented challenges. This includes not only Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the hybrid threats directed at Europe and our two countries, but also an accelerating race in competitiveness and development. Member States must take an active role in shaping their future. A good example of this is our cooperation in the field of defense."

Croatia has joined the Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Norway in a joint procurement deal, which is expected to make tanks more affordable and available sooner. Each Leopard tank costs around 30 million euros, making it the world’s most expensive tank.

The talks in Berlin underline Croatia’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities while deepening strategic ties with Germany and other EU partners in a period of heightened regional and global challenges.