We need to work together ever more closely to tackle the common challenges that we face!
Relations between Canada and Croatia are constantly progressing, and economic cooperation is best seen through the implementation of the CETA agreement between the EU and Canada. Ambassador of Canada to Croatia, H.E. Jessica Blitt, for Diplomacy&Commerce, reveals where there is room for improving relations, how Croats in Canada contribute to society, and how well Canadians know our country, bearing in mind the constant growth of tourists. Canada is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup – North America, along with the United States and Mexico, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, this year. Ambassador Blitt reveals how Canada prepares for the big sports event.
- The relations between Croatia and Canada are assessed as close and allied, with an emphasis on further strengthening of cooperation. How do these relationships look from your point of view and where is the room for their improvement? Are there any open issues between the two countries?
In 2023, Canada and Croatia celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations. Over those many years, we have built a close and productive relationship, founded on warm people-to-people ties, growing commercial relations, and common approaches to key regional and global issues, including the need to provide strong military and humanitarian support to Ukraine. Canada sees Croatia as a reliable and like-minded partner, whose membership in NATO and the EU provides us with many opportunities to collaborate to further both bilateral and multilateral priorities. Our relations are friendly and constructive, with clear potential for further growth. Croatia was amongst the first EU countries to ratify the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in November 2017 and the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) in April 2018. This represents a significant opportunity for both countries – one that is already seeing positive results, but could absolutely be leveraged even further in the years to come. Peopleto- people ties are also a key pillar of the relationship. The Croatian- Canadian community in Canada is a fundamental and treasured part of the multicultural mosaic of Canadian society, playing an important role in every aspect of Canadian life – social, cultural, and economic – while also helping to foster mutual understanding, serving as a strong foundation for future cooperation. All of this gives us a solid basis upon which to build. Looking ahead, there are opportunities for deeper economic engagement, reinforced trade links, strengthened business partnerships, enhanced tourism and travel connections, and expanded collaboration in science, innovation, and emerging areas such as green transition and digital policy. Economic relations between Croatia and Canada are progressing, especially after the implementation of CETA (the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada). The agreement has facilitated market access and reduced customs duties.
2. What do the numbers show, what is the import-export volume, investments, and which industries dominate mutual cooperation?
Canada and the EU have a strategic partnership rooted in common interests and values, and robust economic ties that have been strengthened since the implementation of CETA. That has had a positive impact by improving access to markets, lowering tariffs, and creating new opportunities— especially for small and mediumsized enterprises. And, as the third EU Member State to ratify Agreement in 2017, Croatia has been a critical part of that success story. In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade with Croatia was over C$371 million, with Canada’s merchandise exports to Croatia at $145.8 million and Canada’s merchandise imports from Croatia at $225.7 million. Bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Croatia saw an increase of 379% from 2016 (pre-CETA) to 2024 (post- CETA). In the aerospace sector, for example, it is De Haviland Canada firefighting aircraft (the “Kanader” as they are called here) that patrol the skies over Croatia during forest fire season, while 15 new Airbus A220, built in Montréal, Canada, the heart of Canada’s aerospace sector, will play a central role in Croatia Airlines’ major modernization initiative. Science and innovation collaboration in the life sciences sector is another area of cooperation – particularly now that Canada is an “associated country” under Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe, which includes the Health Cluster. This is a huge opportunity for Canadian researchers and scientists and SMEs. But it also brings significant benefit to countries such as Croatia, who now have an enhanced opportunity to partner with Canadian leaders in their fields. Further strengthening all of these ties – between Canada and the EU, and just as importantly between Canada and individual Member States such as Croatia – is one of the key priorities of the Government of Canada. As Prime Minister Carney said in his Davos speech, Canada is focused on “building the coalitions that work, issue by issue, with partners who share enough common ground to act together… And it is creating a dense web of connections across trade, investment, culture on which we can draw for future challenges and opportunities.” The greatest potential for cooperation is in tourism (more than 100,000 Canadian tourists visit Croatia annually).
3. How well do Canadians know Croatia and what is their first association with our country?
Canadians’ interest in Croatia has grown significantly over the past decade, particularly with the introduction of Air Transat’s direct seasonal Zagreb–Toronto flights, which have made the country more accessible than ever before. While Croatia is increasingly recognized in Canada as an attractive travel destination, that perception is still somewhat narrow and does not yet reflect the country’s full diversity. For most Canadians, the primary association remains the coastline, especially destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar, known for their historic settings and natural surroundings. This coastal image continues to shape how Croatia is positioned in the Canadian market. However, there is considerable scope to broaden this understanding. Strengthening awareness on the broad range of travel opportunities in Croatia could create additional opportunities for deeper tourism cooperation between our countries.
4. As much as you travel around Croatia, is there anything that is particularly interesting to you? What would you recommend to friends to visit if they come, to try of food and drink? And what would you recommend to those of us who are going in the opposite direction?
Where to start? One of the most remarkable things about Croatia is its diversity – coast and mountains and waterfalls and history and food, all exceptional, and all with different vibes depending on the region. It’s very hard to pick a favourite. The well-known historic towns of Dubrovnik and Split are of course spectacular, but we also enjoy bringing friends and family to some of the less travelled (at least for visitors) places on the coast – Rovinj and Pula or Zadar and Sibenik. And the seafood in all those locations is incredible – personally, I will never say no to a hobotnica salata! But beyond the coastline, I have to say that I love the fantastic hiking destinations all across Croatia. Starting in Zagreb, with Sljeme right on your doorstep and Samobor not far away, to the trails in Risnjak or Velebit – so many amazing views – and tough hikes! As for those travelling to Canada – well, we also specialize in diversity! From historic cities like Quebec City and Lunenburg (members of the Organization of World Heritage Cities, alongside Dubrovnik, Split and Trogir) to vibrant multicultural cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver; as well as hiking in national parks; train trips through the mountains; whale watching; polar bears; glacial lakes; festivals; northern lights; friendly people…. the list goes on!
5. Canada is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup – North America, along with the United States and Mexico, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It is the first tournament to feature 48 teams. Matches in Canada to be played in Vancouver and Toronto. How did Canada prepare and what can we expect? What were the biggest challenges in organizing the tournament?
The FIFA World Cup is groundbreaking for a number of reasons: the first time the tournament will be shared amongst three countries, the first time Canada will host the Men’s World Cup, and the largest World Cup to date, expanding from 32 to 48 qualifying teams and 64 to 104 matches. Building on our success hosting the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015, Canada is ready to deliver an exceptional event this June alongside our U.S. and Mexican co-hosts. This unprecedented collaboration sends a powerful message of international cooperation and shared experience. It requires seamless coordination across borders, from security arrangements to stadium operations, across three different countries. Canada is committed to making the tournament a success by upholding the highest standards of human rights, promoting inclusive economic development, advancing sport as a driver of opportunity, and ensuring environmental sustainability throughout the event. These priorities reflect Canadian values and our vision for a tournament that leaves a lasting positive legacy. The event is anticipated to attract over a million international visitors to the country. We are looking forward to welcoming fans to games in Toronto and Vancouver, two world-class cities offering unforgettable experiences for athletes and supporters alike: Toronto – the world’s most multicultural city, renowned for its culinary scene, nightlife, extensive green spaces, music, film and cultural festivals, and major sporting events; and Vancouver- a world-class destination where mountains meet ocean meet the pitch, and one of the most linguistically diverse cities in Canada, with over 50% of residents having a first language other than English. We are also certain that many visitors will want to see and explore more of what Canada has to offer, even beyond the host cities. The World cup also provides an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen cultural, social, and economic ties between countries. Croatia’s excellence on the football pitch is well-recognized, and we know that all Vatreni fans – whether living in Croatia, or Canada, or elsewhere in the world – will welcome the opportunity to see the team excel in Toronto on 23 June. It will also be exciting to watch Croatian Canadian midfielder Niko Sigur play for the Canadian national team!
6. How much do international circumstances, instability and crises affect the organization and do you think this will reflect on the course of the championship itself (security, participation of national teams, political instability…)?
In a time of vast geopolitical uncertainty, Canada continues to be a reliable partner and a steady beacon of predictability – a lowrisk, stable place to visit, and to do business. Canada’s political stability, strong institutions, and experience in hosting global events also make it one of the safest, most predictable venues. Canada has invested significantly to improve game venues to meet FIFA standards, but has also focused on investments in public transit, airport capacity, crowd management, and fan zones to ensure smooth movement for hundreds of thousands of visitors. Fans can expect a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere with diverse crowds, fan festivals, and cultural events, including strong diaspora engagement. Croatian fans should ensure that they have applied for and received their tourist electronic travel authorization (eTA) well in advance. And otherwise just be prepared to have an amazing fan experience in Canada!