The Czech Republic and Croatia have once again denounced Russia’s full-scale military operation against Ukraine and called for the more intensive cooperation between the European Union and translatic partners, specifically in energy supplies disrupted by the war, which has stepped into its 100th day.
Croatia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlic Radman has met in Prague with Jan Lipavsky, the Czech foreign minister whose country will take over the EU presidency on 1 July.
As per the statement released by the Croatian ministry, “During the meeting, they talked about the war in Ukraine and the ministers once again condemned the Russian aggression and stressed that it is necessary to continue providing Ukraine with the required help.”
As per the press release, “They also discussed responses to challenges that require more intensive cooperation within the European Union and with transatlantic partners, especially when it comes to energy and food supply.”
The two officials also marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Croatia and the Czech Republic, with Grlić Radman thanking the Czech Republic for its support in meeting Croatia’s strategic goals – joining the eurozone, the OECD and the Schengen Area.
The EU journey of the Western Balkan nations should be high on the agenda of the Czech EU presidency.
“All Western Balkan countries that sincerely aspire for membership must have a European perspective, but at the same time, it is necessary to insist on meeting the criteria – the rule of law, good neighbourly relations, and in the context of aggression against Ukraine, especially on foreign policy alignment with the Union,” said Grlić Radman.
He added that the EU is responsible for making additional political and diplomatic efforts to ensure a legal and legitimate election process in BiH through a reform of the election law, which is something Zagreb insists on to prevent the more numerous Bosniaks from outvoting the Croats.