Framework that delivers real results, drives investment, and contributes to Europe’s stability and prosperity

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković participated today at the Parliamentary Summit of the Three Seas Initiative, entitled "Strengthening the Three Seas Initiative: Vision, Responsibility, Partnership", hosted by the Croatian Parliament.

The Three Seas Initiative was established in 2015 at the proposal of Croatia and Poland, as an informal political platform aimed at strengthening cohesion within the European Union and the wider European area through better infrastructural connectivity between the European North and South.

It includes 13 European Union Member States: Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The Initiative's strategic partners are Japan, Germany, the United States of America, Spain and Turkey and the European Commission, while Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine are associated participating countries of the Initiative.

Ten years after the adoption of the Dubrovnik Declaration, Croatia is once again chairing the Three Seas Initiative and organizing two summits, the Parliamentary Summit and the Summit of Heads of State and Government, and the Business Forum in April in Dubrovnik.

A New Decade of the Initiative

The Prime Minister's address at the opening of the summit, after the introductory greetings, is presented in full.

"It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Zagreb at the Parliamentary Summit of the Three Seas Initiative.

This meeting comes at an important moment for our Initiative.

We are entering the second decade of its existence-under significantly changed geopolitical, security, and economic circumstances.

Today, more than ever before, it is clear that the Three Seas Initiative is not merely a development project, but a strategic framework for strengthening Europe's resilience.

Today's parliamentary summit demonstrates that the value of this Initiative is widely recognized.

What began as a response to infrastructure gaps along the north-south axis has evolved into a platform that now plays a key role in Europe's connectivity, security, and competitiveness.

A Changing Geopolitical Landscape of Europe

Europe is in the midst of profound change. Its strategic map is being redrawn.

For decades, the economic centre of gravity moved west to east. Today, in the shadow of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the axis of resilience stretches clearly from the Baltic, through the Adriatic, to the Black Sea.

This region is no longer Europe's periphery. It is the backbone of European security. It is the engine of European growth.

Our Initiative brings together 13 EU Member States, from Estonia to Greece.

Partner countries such as Ukraine, Moldova, and South-Eastern European states also participate. And strategic partners - including the United States, Germany, Japan, and the European Commission - are closely engaged.

This is a region of over 120 million people. Almost 160 million with associated partners, with a combined GDP of more than €3.5 trillion. Its size, its importance and its potential are undeniable.

Connectivity as a Matter of Security

The Three Seas Initiative was conceived to improve connectivity between our countries and wider regions.

But connectivity today is not just technical. It is not just economic. Connectivity is about security. It is about strategic autonomy. It is about resilience.

Energy corridors, transport links, and secure digital networks define not only growth in times of peace but Europe's ability to act in times of crisis.

Energy Security and Transport Connectivity - Croatia's Role

Recent years have shown one thing clearly: dependency is dangerous. And diversification is essential.

I am proud to state that in this sphere, Croatia contributes decisively.

The LNG terminal on the island of Krk and Adriatic pipeline are cornerstones of energy security in Central and South-Eastern Europe. Their capacity exceeds national needs. They secure supply for the wider region.

Our investments in gas infrastructure, electricity interconnections, and renewable energy further strengthen European resilience.

These are not just economic projects - they are pillars of security in a world of recurring geopolitical crises, both near and far.

And they are part of the wider jigsaw of connectivity we are building within the Initiative.

The same principle applies to transport. Efficient north-south links shorten supply chains and increase mobility. Infrastructure today must serve a dual purpose: fuel growth in peace, enable rapid response in crisis.

Croatia is proud to see itself as the Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe. Four TEN-T corridors that meet in Croatia reinforce this notion.

Our geostrategic location offers one of the shortest maritime routes between Europe and Asia.

As a co-founder of the Initiative, we aim to use our position to elevate the overall position of our wider region within Europe and on the global stage.

But the Initiative's strength does not rest on one or two countries. It rests on all of us, acting together.

From Estonia's digital leadership, to Lithuania's energy interconnections, to Greece and Romania's ports - the network of cooperation makes the Initiative resilient. It makes it relevant.

Priorities of Croatia's Presidency

Croatia takes pride in leading the Three Seas Initiative into its next decade.

During our presidency, we focused on three priorities: strengthening transport, energy, and digital infrastructure; connecting with similar global initiatives; and deepening cooperation with strategic partners and international financial institutions.

At the same time, we decided to revive the parliamentary dimension and I thank Speaker Jandroković for this initiative.

Because Parliaments are essential: they secure the legal framework, ensure political continuity, and provide budgetary support.

So, I am glad that today's gathering in Zagreb is a crucial step toward a stronger, more structured parliamentary dialogue.

Looking Ahead to Dubrovnik summit

Let me also highlight the upcoming Summit of Heads of State and Government, 28-29 April in Dubrovnik.

We are pleased to confirm high-level participation from all Initiative member states, key financial institutions, and a strong presence from the business community.

The parallel Business Forum will gather investors and entrepreneurs, opening space for concrete projects and new investments.

Financing infrastructure and mobilizing private capital will be key priorities.

Connectivity as Europe's Strength

The principle is simple: a Europe that is better connected internally is stronger externally.

The economic potential of our region is immense.

In the last five years, Three Seas countries grew faster than the EU average. At the same time, investment needs are estimated at €650 billion.

The opportunity is enormous. The time is now. And this Initiative is designed to fill that gap.

The Three Seas Initiative does not replace existing European structures. It strengthens them. It enhances EU's cohesion. And it reinforces Europe's strategic autonomy.

Our task is clear: consolidate the Initiative as a framework that delivers real results, drives investment, and contributes to Europe's stability and prosperity.

Croatia will remain an active, reliable, and committed partner."

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