Following the opening of the “Money Motion 2026” conference at the Zagreb Fair, Croatian President Zoran Milanović addressed the media, discussing numerous current political matters. Speaking about military service and the armed forces, Milanović assessed them as “very small” and criticized Croatia’s inability to attract sufficient personnel to meet NATO standards. He stated, “More than what we had is good.” He expressed significant criticism of the European Union’s security policy, describing the EU as “a herd of domestic cats, each going its own way.”
Using Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz as an example, Milanović noted Merz’s mere “smile” while Donald Trump criticized Spain.
He also asserted that Croatia, with its “special historical identity,” cannot pursue joint foreign policies with countries like Estonia or Portugal, deeming it “madness.” He dismissed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as a “bureaucratic official,” lacking authority. Milanović concluded that “the security situation and the usurpation of power have changed.” Regarding the invitation of the Israeli ambassador, he commented on the invitation to meet in his office at Pantovčak, stating, “We don’t need foreign infections and bacteria.” He emphasized the need to distinguish between “a terrorist devil” and a “country with which we have diplomatic relations and which is a member of the UN.”
He highlighted Iran’s constitution and institutions, acknowledging its susceptibility to terrorism, while asserting that terrorism in Europe is Sunni, not Shia. Milanović reiterated his view that Croatian soldiers should withdraw from areas affected by the conflict in the Middle East, referencing Defence Minister Anusic’s statement that “no one will defend” defense cooperation with Israel.
The event, “Money Motion,” underscored these complex geopolitical considerations.
Topics: #money #motion
