The EU-US relationship based on measures and countermeasures is not good; we must preserve the transatlantic alliance

In a statement to the media, Prime Minister Plenković commented on the address by US President Donald Trump, assessing that it was good to hear directly from him an explanation of a number of positions that largely concerned what he had done in the first year of his mandate.

"A large part of his speech was of an internal political nature, whether it was about the economy, security, affordable housing, migration and everything he tried to do to justify the trust he received in the elections," said Prime Minister Plenković.

Trump wants to be a peace-making president and end Russian aggression against Ukraine

As for the international part, the Prime Minister assessed it as interesting for everyone. He emphasized that President Trump's position all along has been that he wants to be a peace-making president, and adding that Trump spoke today about having contributed to ending eight wars, that he wants to end Russian aggression against Ukraine, and that he is talking to both the Russian and Ukrainian presidents.

He added that he has the impression that after this meeting in Davos, we will return to this topic, which has been in the background for the past ten days.

President Trump, the Prime Minister added, does not want further victims and his goal is to stop this war and try to turn the page.

He repeated, as President Trump himself did in his speech, the assessment that Trump is not identified with this aggression and believes that it was caused by the weaknesses of the previous American administrations of Obama and Biden, and that it would not have happened if he had been the President of the United States at the time.

As for Greenland, a topic that has occupied all the attention in US-European relations, he considered the most important thing that President Trump said today that he would not use force.

"Regardless of the elaboration of how important Greenland is to them for security reasons, he sent one important message - he wants to de facto buy Greenland from Denmark and insists on this with arguments that we have mostly already heard. But, what is good, he said that if the offer is not accepted, he will not use force," said Prime Minister Plenković.

It is obvious, the Prime Minister added, that Trump wants to resolve numerous issues during his term that previous US presidents have not resolved, with the elaboration he uses from the perspective of national security.

When it comes to NATO financing, Trump believes that it was predominantly from the US.

"He wanted a greater contribution from others and greater defense spending. He is pleased that he has raised that NATO pledge from the previous 2 percent to 5 percent by 2035," said Prime Minister Plenković, adding that Trump sees himself as someone who strengthens NATO, not weakens it.

In a certain way, President Trump has moved away from the conventional way of conducting foreign policy and does not see numerous international organizations and multilateralism itself as so strong and relevant, but is much more a reflection of the balance of power between the great powers, the Prime Minister assessed.

At the same time, he still adheres to friendship and alliance with European partners, he emphasized, adding that despite raised tones he does not deviate from the partnership with European allies.

Solidarity with Denmark, while maintaining alliances

Asked what he expects from tomorrow's European Council meeting in Brussels, the Prime Minister said that there would be an open and orientation discussion on a wide range of topics, from customs policy, Greenland, to resolving global crises and further cooperation.

"Any relationship with the US that is based on measures and countermeasures, retaliation, reciprocity and reprisals is not good," he warned, adding that these are allies.

Croatia's position, with the experience of a NATO member and the role of the US, which has been important to us for the past 35 years, is that a voice of reason is needed - to show solidarity with Denmark and its territorial integrity, but to strive to maintain long-term allied relations, the Prime Minister said.

This is the key for the entire West and for its relevance in general, he emphasized, adding that we need to adhere to values, respect for international law and territorial integrity, good neighborly relations and mutual respect and appreciation.

Economic situation in Europe

The Prime Minister also referred to the numerous bilateral meetings he held today.

With the President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde, he discussed the economic situation in Europe, strengthening resilience, past crises and future circumstances.

He added that the forecasts and analyses of the European Central Bank are quite positive, and they also look favorably on the Croatian economy.

He also expressed satisfaction with the Eurogroup's decision to elect Boris Vujčić as the next Vice-President of the bank, the first from the ranks of the new member states of the European Union and the first from Central and Eastern Europe.

"This is also a great recognition of Croatia, which remains financially stable, with strong economic growth in the face of numerous global challenges," he said.

Support for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Among the meetings with political leaders, he highlighted the meeting with the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the President of Armenia and the President of Israel.

With the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, he confirmed good neighborly relations.

"We support the continuation of the reform process, which is necessary to accelerate BiH's European path. It is important to reach a political agreement on amendments to the electoral legislation for the sake of equality of all three constituent peoples and the functionality of the country," Prime Minister Plenković emphasized.

Security of the European Neighborhood

The meeting with Armenian President Khachaturyan is a continuation of the dialogue aimed at intensifying political relations and economic cooperation between Croatia and Armenia.

The importance of strengthening relations between the European Union and Armenia in the context of security and stability of the European neighborhood was particularly emphasized.

In this context, it was announced that a meeting of the European Political Community would be held in Yerevan in May.

He discussed bilateral relations between Croatia and Israel, the need to stabilize the situation in the Middle East, and the long-term achievement of peace between Israel and Palestine with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Investment opportunities in Croatia

He also met with representatives of global companies Goldman Sachs, Google and Mistral AI, with whom he discussed security and technological challenges, digital transformation and the growing role of artificial intelligence.

He discussed business opportunities and potential investments in Croatia with representatives of AstraZeneca, Wolt, PPF and the Luksic Foundation.

In a conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, he discussed the upcoming World Cup in football, which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer.