Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Thursday responded sarcastically to comments by President Zoran Milanović about convening a National Security Council meeting, saying “we’ll see” and that “there is no rush, it’s just another war.”
Speaking ahead of a European Union summit in Brussels, Plenković was asked to comment on Milanović’s remarks a day earlier in Vela Luka, where the president said the session would take place but that there was no urgency as “serious topics need preparation.”
Plenković said he initiates sessions of the National Security Council and the Defence Council “when it is truly important and when there are clear reasons,” contrasting his approach with Milanović’s.
Earlier this week, the prime minister formally proposed holding both council meetings on the same day between March 23 and 27. The government said the initiative aims to address the impact of global conflicts on Croatia’s energy and economic outlook, as well as further military modernisation and strengthening defence capabilities.
“Unlike him, my initiatives come at times of major global crises that also affect us,” Plenković said.
He pointed to rising geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East, warning of their economic consequences. “Oil prices are rising to $116 per barrel, and gas prices are up by 50%,” he said, adding that increases in energy costs would affect households and businesses.
Plenković reiterated that the government would continue its work regardless of whether the meeting is held, saying it remains focused on protecting citizens and the economy.