Plenković: Atlantic Council award is a recognition for Croatia and the Croatian people

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković received the Distinguished International Leadership Award in Washington from the Atlantic Council, in recognition of his leadership of Croatia, his commitment to European unity, and his efforts to strengthen transatlantic relations.

Following is the full acceptance speech of the Prime Minister on that occasion:

“Dear Fred,

Distinguished leadership and members of the Atlantic Council,

Fellow awardees,

Dear American friends,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Atlantic Council for hosting us this evening and for this extraordinary honor.

I am truly humbled to stand here alongside such distinguished fellow awardees.

I warmly congratulate each of them on their well-deserved recognition and their outstanding contributions to global security, humanitarian efforts, and cultural inspiration.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to President Andrés Pastrana, former President of Colombia, for his presence this evening and for his generous words of introduction.

Always guided by a simple yet fundamental goal: improving the lives of our citizens

Dear friends,

For the past nine years, it has been both my highest honor and deepest responsibility to serve as Prime Minister of Croatia.

As President Pastrana noted, these have been years shaped by a growing number of global crises.

In many ways, governing today is no longer a matter of routine decision-making — it is an ongoing exercise in resilience and crisis management.

But through every challenge, I have sought to steer a steady course for Croatia — always guided by a simple but fundamental goal: to improve the lives of our citizens.

Because ultimately, that is the essence of public service and good governance.

Our vision has been to see Croatia take its place among the most advanced, stable, and prosperous nations in Europe and the world.

The story of Croatia is a story of success—one that is still being written

That path has not been easy.

We started our journey in the early 1990s from the ashes of war and destruction.

Our task was harder because of that very past, but our determination was forged in it.

The will of the Croatian people to win and defend their freedom is what has made every success since then possible.

And tonight, I am proud to say: the story of Croatia is a story of success, one that is still being written.

That success being recognized here in Washington holds special meaning.

As a committed transatlantic ally, Croatia will continue to stand with America

Because the United States has long been one of Croatia’s most valued strategic partners and closest allies.

From the days of war to today’s deep and growing cooperation, across administrations and across generations, America has stood with Croatia.

And Croatia, as a committed transatlantic ally, will continue to stand with America.

The deep ties between our nations are reflected not only in our shared values, but in the lives of countless Croats who helped shape America: from Peter Tomich, who gave his life at Pearl Harbor to save his crew and received the Medal of Honor, to Mike Grgich, whose wine put California on the global map, to Anthony Lucas Lučić, whose drilling innovation sparked the Texas oil boom, to Ivan Meštrović, whose sculptures grace Chicago and to Nikola Tesla, whose genius lit up America and revolutionized the modern world.

These are just a few among many who built lasting bridges between our peoples.

Together, we remain committed to preserving the transatlantic bond as the cornerstone of a free and democratic world.

Anything less would weaken both Europe and the United States and only embolden those who challenge our shared values.

This truth holds in Ukraine today, as it did in Croatia in the 1990s, and wherever freedom is under threat.

America has always stood for liberty and I am confident it always will.

As a loyal friend and ally, so will Croatia.

A stronger Croatia abroad, and a more just and prosperous Croatia at home

Distinguished guests,

As proud as we are of our partnership with the United States, we are equally proud to be a member of the European Union.

Two principles have guided my political vision: modern sovereignism abroad, and social cohesion at home.

Internationally, by joining the most integrated circles of European cooperation, Croatia has amplified its sovereign voice.

We are stronger and more influential for it and we now share in shaping the future of Europe.

At home, we have worked tirelessly to raise living standards while ensuring that no one is left behind.

We have shown that building a competitive economy is fully compatible with extending solidarity, especially in times of crisis, and especially to those most in need.

A stronger Croatia abroad, and a more just and prosperous Croatia at home, these will remain the compass for our work ahead.

As I accept this award tonight, I do so with deep gratitude for the trust the Croatian people continue to place in me.

I dedicate this honor to them, for their perseverance, resilience, and ability to overcome adversity.

Because in Croatia, as our athletes so often demonstrate, we may not be the biggest country, but we consistently punch above our weight.

And I can assure you: we intend to keep doing so.

Thank you once again to the Atlantic Council and thank you all for your presence and your support.”

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