Ahead of Orešković’s Visit to Merkel, Germany Hopes for a Better Investment Climate in Croatia

The chairwoman of the German-Croatian parliamentary friendship group, Astrid Freudenstein, expressed her hope ahead of the first visit of Croatian Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković to Germany that, despite the prolonged process of forming the Croatian government, reforms will soon take place in Croatia that would improve the climate for investments.

– The climate for investors in Croatia could be better, for which there is great interest in Germany, said Freudenstein.

The media reports that the chairwoman of the German-Croatian friendship group in the Bundestag says they have been closely, but also tensely, following the formation of the new government in Croatia.

– There has been a certain stagnation in relations, but now we hope for a stable political situation in Croatia and that Croatian partners will be reliable.

– We also hope that despite the many difficulties that accompanied the formation of the government, the realization of its reform program is possible, adds Freudenstein.

She stated that the relations between Germany and Croatia have always been at a high level, but that they have also improved in quality since Croatia’s accession to the European Union.

– Last summer, Germany lifted the last restrictions on the labor market for Croatian citizens. So now we can really talk about the relations of two European partners on the same level, said the CSU politician.

Regarding the current refugee crisis, Freudenstein emphasized that a higher degree of alignment of views needs to be achieved at the European level.

– This does not only apply to Croatian-German relations, but generally at the European level, we should better align in overcoming the refugee crisis. And this can only be achieved together with Croatia, which has the same interests, said Freudenstein.

– We must find ways to tackle this challenge together. The fight against the causes of displacement remains a priority, followed by reducing the number of refugees. Croatia has been and remains a very important partner for Germany in this regard, she concluded.

Croatian Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković is traveling to Germany on Tuesday for an inaugural visit and will meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel.