Croatian community in Germany a strong link between two countries

Following his lecture at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met with representatives of the Croatian community at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Berlin.

On this occasion, the prime minister emphasized that the world is currently facing highly demanding, complex, and difficult times marked by energy, economic, financial, and social challenges.

"As a country of just under four million people, we are striving to show ourselves exactly as Croatians are - strong, courageous, and at times resourceful, just as many of you or your parents were when you arrived in Germany with nothing," Plenković said.

Today, he underscored, you are respected citizens of Germany who contribute to this society, as well as to Croatian society.

He announced that tomorrow he will meet with Friedrich Merz for the first time since his election as Federal Chancellor. He added that last year trade between Croatia and Germany reached 9 billion euros, and that more than 1,300 German companies are successfully operating in Croatia. He also announced the signing tomorrow of an agreement on the delivery of Leopard tanks to Croatia.

The prime minister recalled that Croatia has made significant economic strides. "Growth this year will be around 3%, inflation is being kept at about 3%, the budget deficit also at 3%, and we are reducing the share of public debt in GDP, which this year will stand at 56%. We are managing public finances responsibly, easing the burden on the economy and citizens, and pursuing a policy of balanced regional development that is gradually producing tangible results across Croatia," he noted.

"We will continue, strengthened by these ten years during which we have had the honour and responsibility of governing Croatia, to seek the input of you Croatians living abroad," he said.

"We look forward to your contribution," the prime minister concluded, wishing those gathered a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year, and expressing confidence that this visit will further strengthen cooperation and partnership between Croatia and Germany.

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