State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, Drago Matanović, participated in an informal meeting of the EU Defence Ministers, held on August 30, 2024, in Brussels. During this meeting, the ministers discussed key security issues, with a particular emphasis on providing continuous military and diplomatic support to Ukraine, which is facing ongoing Russian aggression.

The meeting was opened by the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, Josep Borrell, who highlighted the importance of further strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities through cooperation between the European Union and NATO. Among other things, the discussion included increasing the number of soldiers to be trained under the EUMAM mission, aiming to train 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers, which is a crucial component of Ukraine’s defense. Matanović reiterated Croatia’s firm support for Ukraine in his speech, emphasizing the importance of continuing cooperation at all levels.

Strengthening support for Ukraine
During the meeting, defence ministers reviewed various aspects of support for Ukraine, including the delivery of advanced defensive systems and additional training for Ukrainian soldiers. Special attention was given to the delivery of promised air defence systems, such as Patriot missile systems, which several EU member states have pledged to provide to Ukraine in the near future. This equipment is crucial for protecting civilian populations and critical infrastructure, especially in light of the increasing frequency of Russian air attacks.

State Secretary Matanović emphasized the importance of rapid and effective delivery of weapons to Ukraine, noting that it is crucial for the EU and NATO to act in sync to ensure the maximum impact of their assistance. He stressed that Croatia advocates for further strengthening of Ukrainian defensive capabilities, as well as for building long-term resilience of EU member states.

EU operational readiness
The second session of the meeting was dedicated to the operational readiness of the EU within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The ministers discussed ways to improve the ability to respond quickly to crisis situations, including potential threats in the Middle East and North Africa. Special emphasis was placed on the challenges posed by conflicts in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf regions.

The meeting also included representatives from NATO, the UN, and the European Parliament, who contributed to the discussion on the need for additional financial resources to fill critical defence capability gaps among member states. State Secretary Matanović supported proposals to strengthen financial instruments that will aid in the development and maintenance of these capacities, emphasizing that this is key to the long-term stability of the European Union.

Satellite monitoring and future steps
During the working lunch, defence ministers reviewed the results of the EU Satellite Centre’s work, which plays a crucial role in monitoring security threats worldwide. The discussion focused on ways to further enhance the Centre’s capabilities in providing timely information that is critical for decision-making within the European Union. It is expected that further modernization of satellite systems will significantly contribute to the EU’s ability to respond to new and emerging security threats.

The ministers agreed that it is necessary to continue strengthening cooperation between the EU and NATO, as well as other international organizations, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response to global security challenges. In this context, State Secretary Matanović emphasized that Croatia supports all initiatives aimed at greater integration and cooperation in the field of defence, while respecting the sovereignty and interests of all EU member states.