We must work together to strengthen Europe's resilience in an increasingly unstable world

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković attended today in Dubrovnik the summit of the Three Seas Initiative, hosted by the Republic of Croatia, as the Chair of the Initiative.

Opening today's meeting, Prime Minister Plenković expressed his satisfaction that Croatia is hosting this summit. He also welcomed the founders of this initiative - former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar Kitarović and former Polish President Andrzej Duda.

He recalled that ten years ago, the Dubrovnik Declaration was signed in this city, which is the result of a shared belief that the heart of Europe deserves better connectivity, better roads, better energy routes and digital links, and that all of this can be built together.
"Today we return to the place where it all began, but not to celebrate our past, but to respond to the challenges of the present and shape the future," said Plenković.

The Prime Minister said that 2026 is not the same as 2016, noting that the geopolitical environment has changed dramatically. He recalled that Russia's aggression against Ukraine has changed the security environment in Europe and reminded us that territorial integrity, peace and stability are something that cannot be taken for granted.

Energy security as a strategic imperative

He stressed that energy security has become a strategic imperative, and Russia's use of energy resources as if they were weapons has shown the need for diversification - both of routes and suppliers.

Prime Minister said that resilience is not a concept in itself, but is essential for survival, while connectivity has become a pillar of our collective security. In this sense, he stressed, the Three Seas Initiative directly strengthens the resilience, cohesion and unity of the European Union, as well as its common policies and strategic autonomy.

It is, he added, also a matter of deterrence and military mobility, which helps us react and respond to crisis situations.

"As we enter the second decade of our Initiative, the task is clear - to strengthen the North-South axis in Europe and turn cooperation into a lasting force. This Initiative is not only important, it is also crucial," Plenković pointed out.

He stated that this region of 13 European Union member states, stretching from the Baltic and Black Seas to the Adriatic Sea - has grown at a rate of almost 3% per year over the past five years, which is twice the EU average.

Our total GDP, he said, is 3.5 trillion euros, and with our associated partners we represent a market of almost 130 million people.

At the same time, he added, investments in digital infrastructure, energy and transport are the reason why we are here.

Priorities of the Croatian Presidency

The Prime Minister said that Croatia was honoured to chair the Initiative this year, highlighting its four priorities: building a strong, resilient and competitive Three Seas region as the backbone of European resilience, globalising the initiative by linking it with other strategic connectivity frameworks, strengthening cooperation with transatlantic and other like-minded partners in the field of energy security and advanced technologies in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner, and most importantly, securing financing to become the fourth pillar of the Initiative, alongside energy, transport and digital infrastructure.

And that is why, he added, we are developing new financial instruments, including an infrastructure fund, in cooperation with the European Investment Bank, as a means of mobilising investment.

We have also, he said, revitalised the parliamentary dimension of the Initiative, particularly through the summit held in Zagreb in March, fostering stronger connections in joint projects.

He stressed that these priorities have become flagship projects, such as high-speed train networks, an infrastructure network geared towards the use of hydrogen in the future, and transport corridors for the supply of energy and food. He added that these are projects that have the potential to change the economic picture of the European continent.

However, said Plenković, our ambition does not stop at the borders of Europe. As he explained, through activities with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Central Corridor through Central Asia, we are connecting our infrastructure with some of the most dynamic trade routes in the world.

He pointed out that in the context of growing disruptions in global energy markets and trade routes, including the Middle East, these connections are becoming extremely important.

He also added that the ports on the Adriatic Sea connect points that will be extremely important as part of the wider Eurasian corridor, which stretches from Mumbai through the Adriatic and Black Seas to the Baltic.

These networks, he said, support growth in normal times and ensure resilience and operational capacity in times of crisis.

The Initiative has never had stronger partners

"We are not on the periphery of Europe. We are a natural path to Asia. Global ambition requires global partners, and this Initiative has never had stronger ones," said the Prime Minister.

He pointed out that Croatia appreciates the activity and engagement of the United States, as well as the arrival of US Secretary of State Chris Wright to this summit.

In the United States, in Congress, we are receiving support, which recognizes the strategic importance of our region. A Europe that is stronger, more resilient and more connected is a Europe that is a more credible and better partner, said Plenković.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of Japan as a strategic partner whose engagement reflects a very clear commitment to our region.

"Japan brings resources, strategic depth and knowledge," he asserted.

He also said that Croatia's contribution to this vision is based on our geographical position, because Croatia is the Mediterranean route to Central Europe and added that the ports of Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Ploče form a logistics network through four European TEN-T corridors that connect our region with global markets.

LNG allows us to completely move away from Russian energy sources

The Prime Minister also stated that the LNG terminal on the island of Krk, now expanded, supplies a large number of markets in Europe and is being further developed to support the transition to hydrogen.

It also allows us, he added, to completely move away from Russian energy sources and develop our own hub in Croatia, which will be much stronger than just our own region.

In this context, he reminded that today, with the support of the USA, an agreement was signed with Bosnia and Herzegovina that will supply that country with gas. He assessed diversification as extremely important for strengthening the security of supply and political independence of the country.

"We are not waiting for the future to arrive, we are helping to build the future," said the Prime Minister.

He also said that today's summit in Dubrovnik represents a key moment. "We must move from dialogue to implementation and take decisive steps, secure private funds, strengthen the position of our governments and the parliamentary role, so that all of this will lead to concrete results that will strengthen Europe's resilience in an increasingly unstable world," emphasized Plenković.

Equally, he added, we must justify the trust of our partners in the United States of America and across the Pacific Ocean.

He also said that this Initiative, in a time of growing geopolitical fragmentation, represents a pillar of European cohesion, resilience and strategic direction.

"Dubrovnik has given its name to our activities, and may Dubrovnik be the place where northern and southern Europe connect. Croatia remains a dedicated, active and reliable partner in everything that follows," concluded Prime Minister Plenković.

Only a united transatlantic community can face common geopolitical challenges

Polish President Karol Nawrocki said that no step was taken in Dubrovnik towards full institutionalization, but that it was agreed to make it faster and more effective.

He also emphasized that Europe does not need less America because only a united transatlantic community can be strong enough to face common geopolitical challenges.

Croatia is a reliable partner of the United States

Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister Plenković held a series of bilateral meetings.

He expressed satisfaction with the high-level dialogue with US Secretary of State for Energy Chris Wright.

"Secretary of State Wright, whose presence at the Three Seas Initiative summit in Dubrovnik — with the participation of representatives of the US business community — sends a clear signal of continued American support for Croatia's priorities and the strengthening of our partnership," Plenković emphasized.

The meeting highlighted the great potential for deepening cooperation in the areas of economy, infrastructure, defense within NATO and energy, as well as the implementation of the Southern Gas Interconnection in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Prime Minister stated that by expanding the capacity of the LNG terminal on Krk, along with investments in JANAF's gas pipelines, Croatia is positioning itself as a regional energy hub.

"We share a commitment to advancing prosperity, resilience and long-term cooperation across the entire Three Seas Initiative region, where Croatia is a reliable partner of the United States," said Plenković.

We support Moldova's European path

"We want to further strengthen political and economic relations, as well as cooperation in the fields of energy, education and research between the two countries," the Prime Minister said after a meeting with Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

Croatia, he added, will continue to support Moldova's efforts and looks forward to further progress on its path towards membership in the European Union.

We strengthen the energy security and independence of Croatia and BiH

In Dubrovnik, Prime Minister Plenković and the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto welcomed the progress on the Southern Gas Interconnection project, which would ensure diversification of gas supply by connecting to the Croatian LNG terminal on Krk.

"This strengthens the energy security and independence of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is particularly important in challenging global circumstances," the Prime Minister said on the X platform.
 
Strengthening economic cooperation between Croatia and Japan

After the meeting in Japan, the Prime Minister also met in Dubrovnik with a delegation from the Japan External Trade Organization, JETRO, which is participating in the Three Seas Initiative Business Forum.

"We continue to strengthen economic cooperation between Croatia and Japan by creating opportunities for new investments and increasing bilateral trade," said Plenković.

Improving Croatian-Montenegrin relations through the Three Seas Initiative

The Prime Minister also held a meeting with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović. On that occasion, he expressed satisfaction that this country is actively involved as an associated participating state in the Three Seas Initiative, which further strengthens regional cooperation.

Plenković and Milatović discussed the further improvement of Croatian-Montenegrin relations, Montenegro's European path, the position of Croats in Montenegro and the importance of resolving open issues in a good-neighborly atmosphere.

Intensive cooperation between Croatia and Poland

The Prime Minister wrote on the X platform that he welcomed Polish President Karol Nawrocki to Dubrovnik, where the Dubrovnik Declaration was signed ten years ago and the Three Seas Initiative was launched, co-founded by Croatia and Poland.

"We continue intensive cooperation in the area between the Adriatic, the Baltic and the Black Sea - from transport and energy connectivity to digitalization, with the aim of strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the Three Seas Initiative region", said Plenković.

They also discussed further defense cooperation, as well as the continued strengthening of trade, which in 2025 reached 2.5 billion euros, and 1.2 million Polish tourists visited Croatia.

We welcome Slovakia's role as the next chairman of the Initiative

During the summit, Prime Minister Plenković also held bilateral meetings with the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pelelgrini, the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda, and the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, Christian Stocker.

"Through even stronger cooperation among the Three Seas Initiative countries, our goal is to stimulate economic growth, improve resilience to crises, and further strengthen this part of Europe," the Prime Minister wrote on X, welcoming Slovakia's role as the next chairman of the Initiative.

Croatia stands strongly with Ukraine

The Prime Minister also hosted Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko at the Three Seas Initiative summit in Dubrovnik.
 
"Since the first day of Russian aggression, Croatia has stood strongly with Ukraine and we will continue to provide political, diplomatic, military, and humanitarian assistance, as well as the expertise of our companies in the demining process," said Plenković.

At the meeting, they also discussed peace plans, support for Ukraine on its European path, and the unblocking of a 90-billion-euro loan from the European Union, which will help Ukraine in further defense and the functioning of the state.

As part of the Three Seas Initiative summit, the Prime Minister also met with Victor Dodig, a Canadian of Croatian origin and the Chairman of the Board of TELUS Corporation. They discussed the future of KK Cibona, the process of its transformation into a sports joint-stock company, and investments aimed at the revitalization of Cibona and Croatian basketball.

Important agreements signed

Today, in Dubrovnik, ahead of the summit, in the presence of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, agreements in the fields of energy, transport, technology, finance, and tax policy were signed.

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the construction of the gas pipeline "Southern Interconnection of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia" was signed by Prime Minister Plenković and the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Brojana Krišto.

There were also the Joint Statement of Intent to Support the Southern Gas Interconnection Project, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Croatia and the United States of America on Energy Infrastructure and Regional Energy Security, the Joint Statement on Enhancing Cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Croatia for the Purpose of Civil Uses of Nuclear Energy, the Protocol on the Avoidance of Double Taxation between the Republic of Croatia and the United States of America, and the Croatia-Project Pantheon Data Center Cooperation Agreement.

Also signed were the Letter of Intent between the Končar Group and Pantheon Atlas LLC from the USA, the Memorandum of Understanding between the European Investment Fund, the Croatian HBOR, the Polish BGK, the Romanian IDB, the Lithuanian ILTE, and the Slovenian SID Kapital regarding the Three Seas Initiative Infrastructure Fund of Funds, and the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Company "Ports Authority" d.d. Constanța from Romania and the Port Authority of Rijeka from the Republic of Croatia.

After the summit, the heads of delegations toured Stradun, after which they participated in the official summit dinner hosted by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.