Zoran Milanović approves Croatian military participation in NATO, EU, and UN missions

Croatian President Zoran Milanović has granted prior consent for the participation of the Croatian Armed Forces in NATO, European Union, and United Nations missions and activities for the years 2027 and 2028. The decision follows a request from Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić.

Under NATO, the authorization includes the KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, the Sea Guardian security operation in the Mediterranean, mine countermeasures, and the Enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania, Poland, and Hungary. It also permits the deployment of personnel to NATO command structures and allows for the crossing of Croatian borders for rapid deployment.

Regarding EU activities, the consent covers the continuation of Operation Atalanta in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, and Operation IRINI for the arms embargo in Libya. Additionally, it authorizes the start of participation in Operation Aspides, launched in response to Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

UN missions approved include UNMOGIP in India and Pakistan, MINURSO in Western Sahara, and UNFICYP in Cyprus. According to the Croatian Constitution, these decisions must subsequently be confirmed by the Croatian Parliament.