Croatia and Slovenia have voiced strong support for NATO’s proposed increase in defence spending targets to 5% of GDP, ahead of this week’s alliance summit in The Hague.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said during a joint appearance in Črnomelj on Monday that both countries welcomed the new framework, which allows flexibility in how states contribute to collective security.
“We both welcome the flexibility achieved in defining defence spending, as it enables each country to contribute in its own way to the security and defence capabilities of the alliance,” said Golob.
The new NATO target, expected to be formally adopted at the summit, allocates 3.5% of GDP to core military expenditures and 1.5% to dual-use civilian-military projects.
Plenković said Croatia currently meets NATO’s existing 2% benchmark and aims to increase spending to 3% by 2030. “Reaching the 5% target may take a few years beyond 2030—potentially around 2035—based on current discussions,” he said.
Middle East Conflict and Energy Security
Both leaders expressed deep concern about the deteriorating global security landscape. Plenković cited Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and the broader conflict in the Middle East as major challenges.
“This is not business as usual,” Plenković said, referring to the war between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah’s involvement from Lebanon, Houthi attacks from Yemen, and now direct hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Israel launched a strike on Iran on June 13, and the United States joined with a bombing campaign over the weekend targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities.
Plenković warned that the instability could lead to rising energy prices, renewed migration flows, and increased risks of terrorist attacks. “These threats carry serious political, security, and social consequences, as we saw during the migration waves of 2015 and 2016,” he said.
Golob voiced skepticism about Israel’s intentions, citing worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. “Unfortunately, some actions—especially by the Israeli government—do not inspire confidence in their words. For Slovenia, peace remains the only real option,” he said.
Krško Nuclear Project
The two leaders also discussed regional energy cooperation, including Slovenia’s plans to build a second reactor at the Krško nuclear power plant.
Golob said Croatia remained interested in participating in the project, and Plenković confirmed that Zagreb was open to further collaboration. “We are ready to continue cooperation, ideally under the current model. But we’re open to talks given the new circumstances, with the goal of securing long-term energy supplies for the next 100 years,” Plenković said.
Croatia and Slovenia have jointly operated the Krško plant for decades.
Bridging the Border
The meeting also saw the signing of a bilateral agreement on the maintenance and development of bridges and infrastructure along the shared border.
“The agreement covers 23 structures in need of renovation and is intended to make the border a connector, not a divider,” Golob said.
Plenković called the agreement a “small but important step” in bringing the two countries and their people closer, particularly in border regions.
“These are bridges that connect our nations and benefit not only those living near the border but all citizens who cross between our countries,” he said.