PM: Croatia will be able to adapt to int'l economic circumstances

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Monday the economic challenges awaiting Croatia in 2020 were related to a foreseeable slowing down of growth at global level and stable growth in the EU, but that Croatia would be able to adapt to international circumstances.

 

The Croatian economy, alongside the government's policy, which is based on fiscal consolidation, structural reforms and attracting investment, has become resilient and forecasts show that Croatia's growth will be faster than the EU average, he said at the launch of the annual edition of "The Economist: The World in 2020" magazine in Croatian.

We are more capable and more efficient in absorbing European funds, which will be the driving force of both investment and economic growth, so I expect a stable situation, Plenkovic said, adding that the government was willing to tackle every challenge and that it had been able to realise all its plans so far.

The situation in Croatia has been facilitated by the fact that two of the world's three rating agencies have restored its investment rating this year, which has reduced borrowing for the state, companies and individuals, Plenkovic said.

The government wants to pursue sound growth, higher wages, pensions and employment, while cutting the public debt and getting ready for the Schengen and euro areas, he said.

In 2020, Croatia will chair the Council of the EU for the first time and this international positioning is the crown of 30 years of independence, Plenkovic said.

The presidency is an opportunity to launch certain processes at EU level, possibly solve some problems and set the course for the next decade, notably in the enlargement policy, he said, adding that maximum effort should be made to open EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania.

Text: Hina

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