Croatian-French Economic forum to pave the way for new investments, new partnerships and new joint successes

Introducing Croatia to the gathered businessmen, Prime Minister Plenković highlighted the enormous journey the country has taken in just thirty years since its independence. From a country marked by war, to a country that has rebuilt itself and made a clear and irreversible strategic choice - the choice of Europe.

“In three decades, Croatia has achieved one of the most significant transformation trajectories in contemporary Europe: a member of NATO since 2009, a member of the European Union since 2013, a member of the eurozone and the Schengen area since 2023, and now on the threshold of OECD membership, which is expected in 2026,” he said, adding that this transformation is not only institutional, but also geopolitical.

Croatia is located at the crossroads of two major European regions, the Mediterranean and Central Europe, said the Prime Minister, adding that we are the Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe, a strategic meeting point between the South and the Center of the continent.

He pointed out that Croats are often described - quite rightly - as the most Latin of the Slavs, which also explains the strong cultural connection we feel with France.

"And to better illustrate this connection: Zagreb and Paris are just over 1,000 kilometers apart. This proves that our countries are not just partners, they are natural European neighbors," the Prime Minister said.

Stable, highly efficient and fully European economy

Croatia's political and institutional stability is clearly reflected in its economic performance, the Prime Minister said, adding that we have one of the fastest growth rates in the European Union.

Since 2016, our GDP per capita has doubled, rising from 11,000 euros to over 22,000 euros, he said.

And since 2019, cumulative real GDP growth has reached 23.2%, putting us far ahead of most other EU member states, he added.

He stressed that growth prospects remain strong: 3.2% in 2025, 2.7% in 2026, supported by investment, exports and European funds.

He reported that employment is at its highest level in our history, unemployment is at its lowest, that we fully meet the Maastricht criteria and have no macroeconomic imbalances.

Our public debt has fallen sharply - from 86% of GDP after the pandemic to 57% today, he pointed out, adding that this has also been recognized by international agencies.

"Croatia's credit rating has increased five times in seven years, and is now at level A," he emphasized.

We are also 8th in the world in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals - an important indicator of the coherence of our governance and quality of life.

Strategic partnership

France holds a special place in our trajectory, said Prime Minister Plenković, adding that our political, economic and strategic relations have never been stronger.

"The French-Croatian Strategic Partnership, which I signed in 2021 in Zagreb with President Macron, provides a strong basis for the further development of our cooperation in defense, energy, infrastructure, innovation and advanced technologies," he emphasized.

In this context, he said that the procurement of Rafale fighter jets, the modernization of our defense capabilities, energy projects and investments in ports and railways illustrate the strength of our relationship.

And that momentum continues today, he said, announcing the signing of the contract for the procurement of CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, which is a significant step for the Croatian Armed Forces and a further confirmation of the strategic trust that unites Croatia and France.

"This forum is specifically designed to accelerate this momentum, connect our entrepreneurs, create opportunities, find new solutions and build joint projects that will strengthen Croatia, France and the entire European Union," he said, thanking French companies for their growing interest in Croatia.

He also thanked Croatian companies that have strongly engaged in ambitious, sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Why Croatia?

Speaking about why Croatia is one of the most attractive investment environments in Europe today, the Prime Minister primarily emphasized stability and predictability, and then a unique geostrategic position.

"The Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe; fast access to Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and southern Germany; strong integration in four trans-European corridors," he said.
 
In addition, he added, we also possess exceptional human capital - we have a qualified, multilingual workforce, among the most experienced in foreign languages ​​and digital skills in Europe.

In terms of competitiveness and productivity, he said, we offer excellent cost-performance ratios, investment incentives of up to 75% and an ecosystem that is conducive to innovation and green transition.

He also emphasized the quality of life and security, saying that Croatia is a stable, safe, attractive and open country that combines European culture, Mediterranean dynamism and Central European roots.

We also have one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, making it an exceptionally safe environment for citizens, investors and expatriate families, Prime Minister Plenković stressed.

“The future of Franco-Croatian cooperation depends on the courage of our entrepreneurs, our engineers, our political leaders and on the trust we build together. Croatia is a country whose dynamism and talent far exceed the size of its population and, as in sports, it is used to punching above its weight,” concluded the Prime Minister, expressing hope that this forum will pave the way for new investments, new partnerships and new joint successes.