Željana Zovko advocates for Croatian involvement in EU defense production and female military roles

European Parliament MEP Željana Zovko has advocated for the integration of Croatian companies into the European defense production chain. Following the adoption of a report by the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE), Zovko emphasized that Croatia should move beyond being a mere purchaser of equipment to becoming an active participant in the development, manufacturing, and delivery of defense technologies.

Zovko’s work focuses on removing barriers for small and innovative defense firms, specifically regarding access to military testing grounds, certification processes, and securing initial procurement contracts. The goal is to ensure European funds support the transition from prototypes to large-scale production and market entry.

In a separate initiative in Brussels, Zovko organized a conference addressing the role of women in the armed forces of EU member states. The event highlighted that female representation is a matter of defense readiness. While women make up approximately 12-13% of armed forces in Europe, the share among younger officers is rising, reaching up to 25% in some contexts. Croatian Major General Gordana Garašić participated in the discussion, noting that while stereotypes persist, female participation in the Croatian military is growing steadily.