Plenković assures EU funds for Croatia: 'We are still nice, but can be rougher'

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has reassured the public that Croatia will continue to receive substantial EU funding, emphasizing its role as a development engine for the country. Speaking after an EU summit in Brussels, Plenković addressed concerns about potential funding cuts in the upcoming 2028-2034 budget cycle.

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I am sure a compromise will be reached, it will be the largest budget, and I am sure there will be funds for Croatia.

"I am sure a compromise will be reached, it will be the largest budget, and I am sure there will be funds for Croatia," Plenković stated. He specifically targeted those "scaring the people in Croatia" with predictions of reduced funding, urging them to be "wiser." He added, "We are still nice, but if they go too far, we will be a bit rougher."

The EU leaders' discussion centered on the multi-year financial framework, a traditional point of contention. The debate involves balancing the funding of established policies like agriculture and cohesion with new priorities such as economic competitiveness, defense, and security. Some member states, primarily net contributors, advocate for a smaller overall budget, while others, who receive more than they contribute, seek to maintain current funding levels for traditional policies and find new sources for emerging priorities.

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We are still nice, but if they go too far, we will be a bit rougher.

Plenković described the atmosphere at the summit as "conciliatory" and expressed confidence that a compromise would be found. He highlighted Croatia's desire to maintain funding for cohesion and agricultural policies to help newer member states catch up with more developed nations. He also downplayed a discussion about establishing communication channels with Russia, indicating it was not a significant issue during the summit.

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We have emphasized our desire to maintain funding at the current level for traditional policies, cohesion and agriculture, so that newer member states can catch up with the more developed countries.