According to its programme, the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU will focus on providing strategic support for stability, security, building resilience, economic development and prosperity in the EU's neighbouring regions, “especially in South-Eastern Europe and the neighbourhood”.
Thus, the Presidency intends to support efforts for the stability and security of South-Eastern Europe, in particular with regard to capacity building to address security challenges, “including hybrid threats, cybersecurity, migration and strategic communication”.
Croatia also intends to make progress in implementing the objectives of the Eastern Partnership and to foster cooperation with the six partner countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine) by supporting their reform processes (see EUROPE 12397/3).
“Efforts to find a comprehensive solution to the crisis in Ukraine and to mitigate the consequences of the conflict will be among the Presidency’s priorities”, the working document says. At the same time, together with Russia, which “shares responsibility for the security and stability of the European continent”, Croatia wishes to continue to work on establishing relations on the basis of the five guiding principles (see EUROPE 11512/18).
For the Southern neighbourhood, the Presidency wishes to focus on cooperation in the fight against terrorism, radicalization and violent extremism, as well as on responding to the challenges of migration.
Beyond the neighbourhood, the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU intends to promote “strategic partnership and cooperation” with the United States and Canada, particularly in the areas of security, the fight against terrorism, energy, stabilization and the Euro-Atlantic integration of South-East Europe. It will also work to improve the EU’s political, economic and security relations with Asia, with a particular focus on aspects of connectivity, and will support the further development of the partnership with China. Finally, Zagreb wishes to continue strengthening the strategic partnership between Europe and Latin America “while intensifying political dialogue and supporting integration based on common values”.
At the global level, the Croatian Presidency intends to work on strengthening the EU’s international role, in particular in “promoting fundamental values and spreading peace and security” and in providing a global response to global challenges. The Presidency will work to promote multilateralism and the rules-based international order, the work programme states. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)