Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, a leading voice in support of increasing Europe’s role in the transatlantic alliance, will join Hudson for a fireside chat.

Croatia has long been a bastion of stability in southeastern Europe and a strong friend and ally of the United States. Facing an increasingly dangerous security environment, Zagreb is answering the call to boost Europe’s defenses. In April, the nation announced it would increase its defense spending from 2 to 2.5 percent of its gross domestic product by 2027, with a plan to reach 3 percent by 2030.

A strong supporter of Ukraine, Prime Minister Plenković stated in February that any future peace “must be just and principled.” Since 2022, Croatia has donated aid equivalent to over 0.5 percent of its GDP, rivaling America’s relative total support.

Croatia is also important to Europe’s energy and economic security. It has nearly doubled its GDP under Prime Minister Plenković and is now the European Union’s second-fastest-growing economy, with record low unemployment and rapidly declining public debt. Croatia has successfully positioned itself as a regional energy hub thanks to its liquefied natural gas and oil terminals on the island of Krk.

At Hudson, Prime Minister Plenković will discuss the future of the EU-US relationship and why strong alliances are important for meeting today’s challenges.