President Milanović at Croatian Defence Academy: In times of confusion in Europe, we should focus on our own interests
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović participated today in the celebration marking the 34th anniversary of the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defence Academy.
“In these times of confusion in Europe, and a drama that is still waiting for catharsis in Ukraine, where thousands of soldiers have died, we can only hope that there will be more reason. I do not want Croatian politicians and leaders to be among the guilty or the responsible, as there is no need for that. We should focus on our own affairs and interests, and avoid pushing ourselves into any ‘coalitions of the willing’ – what is the point of NATO then?” President Milanović said in his speech at the Academy.
Speaking about the global situation, he emphasized that “Europe has changed dramatically” and pointed out that NATO’s situation has also shifted due to the United States’ stance. “It’s hard to draw a parallel, but – what is NATO without the USA? It both exists and doesn’t exist. The American national security strategy is one thing, but the NATO Secretary General’s position is something entirely different. We hear about sources of threats, not only from the Secretary General, but also from several heads of state and government of the largest European countries. We hear that it’s just a matter of time before there will be a conflict with Russia. People hear this and are not indifferent. They are scared – are these fears true, and are they possible? I don’t think so, and I believe it’s beyond reason,” said President Milanović.
Discussing the situation within the Croatian Army, he noted, “We in Croatia are short of four thousand personnel for our formation needs. The equipment we have is sufficient for the people currently in place, but without a broader pool, without thousands of soldiers –especially infantry – the army ceases to exist. How do we attract a younger generation of men? How do we persuade them to join such a strictly hierarchical institution as the army? The army is about obedience, loyalty, sacrifice – that’s what the military is,” said the President, who welcomed the decision to reintroduce basic military training.
“We in Croatia have decided on this, and I support it; I believe it’s a good decision to reintroduce the option of non-mandatory military service. However, this system will not result in adequate recruitment – it will still leave us short of personnel. The fear-driven psychosis being created is costing us; it’s making people hesitant and ambivalent. Our job is to focus on our own challenges and concerns. We are missing four thousand soldiers, officers, and non-commissioned officers, and we must find a way to fill those gaps. I believe the path chosen by the Croatian Parliament is the right one, and there is hope that we will see good results,” he said.
“In the meantime, we need to build capabilities, knowledge, and arm ourselves, but at the same time, when negotiating arms agreements, we shouldn’t get caught up in the illusions of strategic allies who then sell the same arms to your neighbour, who is not in NATO, but more modern equipment, and who knows what else,” he continued, pointing out that this kind of arms trade “is a good example of how things work.”
“This won’t cost Croatia its security; we’re talking about small countries. It won’t cost us the way it did in 1991, even in the worst-case scenario, which I believe will never happen. But this whole episode shows that some countries, which I won’t name, focus solely on their own interests. They will sell to anyone who offers money, to earn and gain strategic influence. The only country that does not behave this way is the USA,” he said, concluding that “we need to slowly absorb these lessons, not be swayed, remain loyal and well-intentioned, but also observe and assess the relationships around us.”
On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defence Academy, the President of the Republic of Croatia, using his constitutional and legal powers, issued Decisions on the Promotion of Active Officers of the Croatian Armed Forces. Major Vesna Pehar was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The following were promoted to the rank of Major: Captain Vedrana Jelenić, Captain Marijan Gospočić, Captain Ivana Madžar Colić, Captain Mario Klun, and Captain Jelena Petrović Vučković. Second Lieutenant Ivan Mihaljević was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant.
In addition to President Milanović, the ceremony was addressed by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, Branko Hrg; the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid; and the Commander of the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defence Academy, Major General Slaven Zdilar.
President Milanović was accompanied by the Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defence Ivica Olujić and the Adviser to the President of the Republic for Education Jadranka Žarković.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Dario Andrišek