Pedro Sánchez supports Croatia's accession to the eurozone and the Schengen area

Zagreb (Croatia)

President Sánchez conveyed Spain's support for Croatia's entry into the eurozone and the Schengen area to Prime Minister Plenkovic, both of which the Croatian government hopes to achieve by 2023.

Pedro Sánchez's trip comes as part of the preparations for the 30th anniversary, in 2022, of the establishment of "intense" bilateral relations between Spain and Croatia, a celebration that the Spanish leader believes will contribute to consolidating new areas of common interest between the two countries: "In these almost three decades of diplomatic relations, we have managed to share values, challenges and objectives. And we have common positions on a multitude of issues, which justify our efforts to further strengthen our friendship through increased communication, collaboration and cooperation.

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Fernando CalvoIn economic terms, the trade balance has traditionally been favourable to Spain, with a coverage rate of 249%. Spanish companies in the infrastructure and energy sectors have been operating in Croatia for years and there is a growing interest on the part of Spanish firms in joining new projects in the area linked to European funds, of which Croatia will receive almost 27 billion euros in the current financial framework.

In regard to migration and as countries of first entry, Spain and Croatia share common concerns and interests, such as the need to agree on a new Pact on Migration and Asylum in a framework of relevance of the external dimension and partnerships.

Non official translation