Strategic Cooperation Agreement to Boost Economic Exchange Between Croatia and North Macedonia

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković paid an official visit to North Macedonia today, in Ohrid, as part of which a Business Forum was held. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić, Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar, Minister of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation Damir Habijan, and State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Frano Matušić.

In a statement to the media, Prime Minister Plenković described the Agreement as a confirmation of the mutual trust and friendly relations between the two countries and their peoples. He emphasized the excellent position of the Croatian community in North Macedonia, as well as that of the Macedonian minority in Croatia.

Speaking about economic relations, he noted that annual trade in goods amounts to around 350 million euros and assessed that there is considerable room for further strengthening economic cooperation and investment. The Croatian delegation therefore included numerous export-oriented Croatian companies interested in expanding their presence on the Macedonian market.

Strengthening Energy Connectivity

Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar and Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of energy between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of the Republic of North Macedonia.

Prime Minister Plenković stressed that energy is one of the key issues for the European Union, particularly in light of the major crises of recent years, during which the Croatian Government worked to ensure secure supply chains and affordable energy prices. He added that the signed Memorandum would enable closer cooperation and stronger connectivity between the two countries in the energy sector.

As both countries are situated along important trans-European transport corridors, the officials also discussed transport connectivity and ongoing investments aimed at facilitating the movement of passengers and goods.

The Prime Minister also recalled that Croatia has enabled longer-term visas for drivers, describing the measure as a message to neighbouring countries aimed at facilitating economic cooperation.

Speaking about tourism, he pointed out that more than 55,000 Macedonian tourists visited Croatia last year, representing growth of more than 10 percent.

“After such a wonderful stay in Ohrid, we will certainly recommend Croatia’s citizens to spend their holidays here,” he said, also highlighting the direct air connections between the two countries.

Cooperation in Defence and Digital Transformation

The officials also discussed cooperation in the field of defence, with Prime Minister Plenković emphasizing that Croatia is currently undergoing a major investment cycle aimed at strengthening defence capabilities and modernising the Croatian Armed Forces.

Having already fulfilled NATO’s current target and now investing 2.1 percent of GDP in defence — including as much as 34 percent allocated to modernization — Croatia aims to meet the new target of investing 3.5 percent of GDP in defence and an additional 1.5 percent in defence-related activities by 2035, Prime Minister Plenković said.

In this context, he added, two Croatian companies participating in the delegation are of particular importance: HS Produkt and Orqa.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in the field of digital transformation.

Strong Support for North Macedonia’s European Path

Regarding North Macedonia’s European path, Prime Minister Plenković reiterated that Croatia remains a consistent and strong advocate of the country’s EU accession process.

Illustrating the unfairness of the current situation, he recalled that in the early 2000s Croatia had been one step behind North Macedonia in the accession process, while today Croatia has already been a full EU member for 13 years.

“It is time to unblock these processes and take the key steps towards membership,” he said, adding that Croatia would do everything possible to support North Macedonia along the way.

Mickoski: A Clear Political Commitment to Deepening Relations

Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski described the talks as open, constructive and friendly, noting that they covered bilateral cooperation, investment, infrastructure connectivity, regional security and the current geopolitical situation.

He said that the signed Strategic Cooperation Agreement elevates bilateral relations to a higher level.

“This Agreement is more than a diplomatic act. It represents a framework for a long-term partnership and a clear political commitment to deepening relations in areas of strategic importance for the future of both countries,” Mickoski said.

Speaking about European integration, he thanked Croatia for its continued support for North Macedonia’s European perspective, emphasizing the importance of Croatia’s experience for North Macedonia’s own path towards EU membership.

New Business Agreements Between Croatian and Macedonian Companies

The visit continued with a Business Forum attended by the two prime ministers and representatives of numerous Croatian and Macedonian companies.

Speaking about Croatia’s economic performance, Prime Minister Plenković stressed that the country has made significant economic progress over the past decade thanks to responsible fiscal management and reforms aimed at reducing the burden on businesses and citizens.

He recalled the doubling of Croatia’s GDP, membership in the eurozone and the Schengen Area, the country’s forthcoming accession to the OECD, and the upgrade of Croatia’s credit rating to investment grade A. He also highlighted record employment levels and continued economic growth, which reached 3.4 percent last year — twice the European Union average.

Introducing the Croatian companies participating in the forum, the Prime Minister said they are strong, export-oriented businesses investing in production, development and quality.

“I am confident that, through their experience, achievements and international partnerships, they can contribute to the creation of new business agreements between Croatian and Macedonian companies,” he said.

At the Business Forum, President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of North Macedonia Branko Azeski presented awards to Prime Ministers Plenković and Mickoski in recognition of their contribution to regional cooperation.