H .E. Prof. Dr. Pascal Hector, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Croatia for Diplomacy&Commerce says that Croatia and Germany are partners and friends. And by that, I don’t only mean in politics, the economy, security, science, and all the other issues we tackle together. The bond between our peoples is also very strong. Germany is a very important, if not the most important, ally in Europe for Croatia.
1.How would you assess the relations between the two countries and are there any open issues between Berlin and Zagreb today?
I like to quote something that the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Mr Gordan Grlić Radman, said in August during the visit of the German Foreign Minister, Mr Johann Wadephul, to Croatia: ‘We are not physical neighbours, but we feel as if we were.’ To that, I can only add: ‘Very good neighbours.’ We sit next to each other at the same table in the EU institutions. Together with our other European partners, we make important decisions about how our shared home, Europe, functions well and will develop in the future. This is of extraordinary importance; recent developments have made it very clear how much we need to defend this globally unique union of values, securing our freedom and people’s dignity and wellbeing. We are also actively helping Ukraine against the terrible Russian aggression and engaging in global peace efforts. We support the countries of the Western Balkans on their EU accession path, which is neither easy nor short. Croatia knows this from experience, and we are inspired and guided by this experience as we support Croatia in taking its deserved role in EU enlargement. There are no open issues between our two countries, and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to become the German Ambassador to Croatia and to play a part in the lively, multifaceted exchange that takes place daily between our two countries.
2.What would you highlight as particularly important in further strengthening mutual relations and through which projects and how to realize it?
All we need to do is look at a world map to see clearly that our first priority must be to strengthen the European Union and its global position. We – and by ‘we’, I mean not only Croatia, but also Germany and all the other member states – are small players on the global stage if we stand alone. It is the EU that gives us global strength and is the only instrument, which enables us to participate in the setting of global rules. But for this to happen, we all share a joint responsibility. The European Union is a constantly evolving project of adjustment and development. Right now, we need to make the Union more efficient at making decisions. This is evident with 27 member states, and becomes even clearer when we consider all the candidate states that will one day become full EU members. Future members are another issue on which we need to work closely together. Croatia understands the importance of enlargement very well, especially in its own neighbourhood, and Germany wholeheartedly supports it. Stability, respect for democratic values, strong and functional institutions, and a thriving economy are vital in securing what we often call ‘our way of life’. This is a key interest of Europe in securing a successful future. Enlargement is in the strategic interest of Europe, but at the same time we must ensure that we remain efficient in our decision making. Helping Ukraine to fight off Russian aggression is another task that we must undertake together with our EU and NATO partners, as well as our allies around the world. Make no mistake: this war concerns all of us. It affects the values we hold dear, as well as directly our security and prosperity. We are grateful to the Croatian government for participating in this joint effort. In addition, we need to further enhance our already strong bilateral cooperation. Just as an example, over the past ten years, German trade with Croatia has grown faster than with any other EU member state! We must build on this success by supporting investment and fostering relations between our economies in every possible way.
3. A large number of Croatians live in Germany. According to estimates by the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, around 500,000. An increasing number of Germans are buying real estate and moving to Croatia. How would you assess the economic cooperation between the
two countries, especially in the field of tourism?
As previously mentioned, there is high growth in our trade and economic relations. According to a regular study published by the German Chamber of Commerce Abroad, the largest bilateral chamber of commerce in Croatia, German investors are keen to do business here, with the vast majority of them willing to invest in Croatia again. There are numerous German companies in Croatia, many of which are export oriented and have a global presence. Croatian products of all kinds have a market in Germany, and I am convinced that our economic relations will continue to grow. However, I will say once again that this cannot happen on its own. It is a shared responsibility. Tourism plays a significant role in our economic relations and is also an important industry for Croatia. However, tourism is not just about the economy. Every year, more than three million Germans visit Croatia to enjoy their holidays here. This is extremely important in terms of building friendship and trust between our two peoples. Together with Croats living and working in Germany, this forms the fabric of our relations. Germans know Croatia and its people, and they feel at home here. I am confident in saying that the same applies to Croats when it comes to Germany and Germans. In the face of the global challenges that surround us, it is precisely this bond that enables us to achieve success together. However, we should not concentrate only on tourism. It is the industrial sector that needs further growth and development in the first place. There are ample opportunities for further Croatian-German cooperation in this field, especially in the armament industry, that has gained a much stronger importance due to the Russian aggression. We need to give a common signal of strength to deter Russia effectively and thereby ensuring peace for our countries in Europe.
4. Throughout history, Germany has had a great influence on this area. What is the embassy doing to promote cultural cooperation between the two countries? What programs and projects could you announce and suggest to us?
In the field of culture, we are happy to be able to rely on our important and globally present partner, the Goethe Institute. Supporting the learning and knowledge of the German language, international cultural cooperation and exchange is an important part of our mutual understanding. One important issue we collaborate on is the teaching of German at schools and universities. To this end, we have another vital partner: the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA). We support teachers, professors and institutions where German is taught as a foreign language in many different ways. This ranges from providing pedagogical advice and training to offering continuous learning opportunities and financial and administrative support, as well as developing and executing German language exams. The Goethe Institute supports and organises a wide range of cultural events and projects that cover various aspects of cultural exchange. These include exhibitions, lectures, workshops, theatre productions, film screenings, music events, book readings, media incubators and research projects, among others. The Goethe Institute also collaborates with numerous Croatian institutions and organisations to promote German culture and cultural exchange. Allow me also to mention the Goethe Institute’s library, which has a wide selection of books, media, magazines and games. Therefore, together with our partners, we at the embassy have a rich and varied range of cultural offerings and projects that can be enjoyed on a daily basis.
5. You recently took up the position of German Ambassador to Croatia. What do you think of Zagreb and Croatia and what is it that you would like to visit, try in terms of gastronomy, and recommend to your friends if they come to Croatia?
First, let me say that I am not here by accident. I chose Croatia; I wanted to be the German ambassador here, and I am glad this has become a reality. For much of my career, I have dealt with European issues, including working actively on the proposal for the European Constitution,which later became the Treaty of Lisbon. I believe that I will be able to apply all my knowledge and experience in Croatia, as I have already mentioned, our common role and responsibility as EU members is at the top of the list of our priorities. My wife and I like Zagreb and Croatia very much. We feel at home here; we like the country’s pace and character, its natural beauty and particularly its people. We received a very warm welcome upon our arrival and realised right away that the strong friendship between our two countries is evident in everyday life. I intend to make every effort to visit and get to know as much of Croatia as possible. I am looking forward to the contacts I will make, as well as seeing the beautiful and diverse parts of the country. I have also heard many good things about Croatia’s delicious cuisine and high-quality wines. This has been more than confirmed so far.
6. The moneyless situation in Europe is still unstable since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. In Berlin, we have a relatively new government that unconditionally supports Ukraine. The Berlin, Paris, London axis, which supports Kyiv, has strengthened. How does official Berlin see the resolution of that conflict and what are the estimates of how long the war will last?
Ukraine wants peace more than anything else. However, this peace must be just and lasting, and all our diplomatic efforts should focus on achieving it. With our continued support, we aim to strengthen Ukraine’s position ahead of negotiations. We will make further efforts in this regard, and we call on our partners to do the same. Our strategic goal is to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty and to strengthen long-term stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. Germany and Europe stand ready to work with the US and other partners to help Ukraine achieve ‘peace through strength’. We are maintaining and expanding our substantial financial, military and diplomatic contributions. To date, the European Union and its member states have provided support worth more than 112 billion euros. The German contribution to that is more than 72 billion euros. We will continue to support Ukraine in every way possible. We will also increase pressure on Russia by imposing further sanctions and through other measures. As German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently said, we are ‘cautiously optimistic’. Following the ceasefire in Gaza, we are encouraging the American administration under President Trump to turn its attention to Ukraine, and to work with us, the European Union and other NATO allies to find a peaceful solution. Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed this with President Trump during his recent visit to the United States. Another focal point has been opened that significantly affects Europe – the Middle East and the escalation of violence in that area.
7. How does your government see the solution, in the light of increasingly loud demands for the recognition of the Palestinian state (some states have already done so) and punishment of Israel? What is the policy of official Berlin in relation to this crisis?
Globally, we hope that the recently negotiated ceasefire will hold. This is not an easy or straightforward task in itself. After the ceasefire, comes the crucial first phase. This involves the release of hostages, and means that the people in the Gaza Strip can finally hope for medical aid, food and water, and an end to their terrible suffering. We are optimistic that permanent peace can be achieved. There appears to be a widespread desire throughout the region to establish a path towards genuine peace and reconciliation between Israel and the Palestinians. Germany is playing an active and important role in this process, and we thank our US allies for their initiative. The people of the Gaza Strip are currently unable to live properly, and the area needs to be rebuilt. Germany and Egypt are planning a reconstruction conference in Cairo, which will be attended by representatives of donor countries. The aim is to discuss practical issues, such as how to rebuild houses and infrastructure. But then the political process must begin. Order must be restored, the country administered and security established. The terrorist organisation Hamas has not disappeared with the ceasefire. The German government is firmly of the belief that a negotiated two state solution is the only way to achieve lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. We consider the recognition of a Palestinian state to be one of the final steps on the path to achieving a two-state solution. In order for a temporary ceasefire to become lasting peace, a viable political perspective for Gaza is necessary.