MUNICH, Germany,
February 13. A shifting global order presents a
“big chance” for countries such as Azerbaijan and Croatia to define
their future, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister
Ivan Anušić told journalists on the sidelines of the Munich
Security Conference, Trend reports.


Anušić said that the current security environment, marked by the
war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and evolving
transatlantic relations, requires countries to reassess and
strengthen their defense capabilities.


“The whole world has a problem with security, especially Europe
and especially Southeast Europe where Croatia is,” he said. “Right
now we are discussing how to improve our defense system, how to
improve our capabilities, how to improve our army forces.”


According to Anušić, Croatia is undergoing one of the most
significant military modernization processes since gaining
independence 35 years ago.


“Right now Croatia is in the process of modernization of our
army forces – one of the biggest modernizations from the
independence of Croatia in 35 years,” he noted. “After two, maximum
three years, there will be complete modernization and completely
new army forces ready for every situation that will be in the
future.”


He stressed that the broader geopolitical landscape – including
the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and debates
within NATO and the European Union – has made security planning
more urgent.


“As you see, the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, the situation
with the United States, the situation with NATO and the European
Union – it’s not easy, it’s not simple, and everybody must think
about the future, their own country, their own people, and we do
that,” he said.


Anušić acknowledged that European countries have historically
underinvested in defense but said this approach is now
changing.


“It’s true that the European countries don’t spend enough money
to defend themselves. And right now the EU and NATO changed their
politics and increased their spending money for the defence,” he
said, adding that the United States remains a key partner. “America
is our strategic ally for Croatia, and we have great
cooperation.”


Highlighting opportunities for closer engagement between Baku
and Zagreb, Anušić pointed to the transformation of the global
system as a window of opportunity.


“When the general world order is changing, that is a big chance
for Azerbaijan and Croatia,” he said. “This is a big chance for our
countries to decide what our future will be. It’s completely a new
chance for every country who sees a little bit further than
tomorrow.”