Plenković: latest GDP data puts Croatia among EU leaders

Opening Thursday's cabinet session the Croatian Prime Minister commented on the latest GDP numbers. The initial data was released on Wednesday by the State Statistics Bureau, which project growth of 3.4% in the second quarter on an annual basis.

Opening the cabinet session Prime Minister Andrej Plenković noted that Croatia's GDP is twice the EU average and among the fastest growing in the bloc. He also pointed out that this marked the 18th consecutive quarter of growth: "I this way we are continuing our multiyear policy of catching up with those EU member states that joined the bloc before us, especially those in central and Eastern Europe. According to GDP per capita criteria, we have jumped from an average of 61 to 62% in 2016 to 77% now, and we'll be at 78% or higher by the end of the year. The goal of all of our policies is for all citizens and households to feel this economic growth."

The Prime Minister also commented on the recent protest by veterans from Benkovac, following their recent protest against the "Nosi se" festival, which they say denigrates veterans and the Homeland War: "As we've seen even the festival organizers have admitted that they went too far with their provocations, and expressed their regret. I received a letter from the veteran's association in Benkovac and I thank them for that. I understand their displeasure with certain earlier messages issued by the festival organizers that they feel denigrate the dignity of the Homeland War, which is the foundation of modern Croatia, and something we will always nurture and protect."

A delegation from the Benkovac Veteran’s Association was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Veterans' Affairs Minister Tomo Medved on Thursday.

Source: HRT