"Arming Serbia", Croatian Defense Minister Calls for Special Treatment for EU and NATO's Eastern Borders

Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic has stated that the rhetoric of countries that border Croatia, but are not members of the European Union or NATO and do not intend to be, is "disturbing," emphasizing Serbia.

As reported by Croatian media, Anusic said in Zagreb that, according to the information he possesses, Serbia currently has "serious offensive systems," which he described as extremely complex and costly.

"The constant rhetoric from these countries is worrying. According to the information we have, Serbia currently has serious offensive systems that are extremely complex, expensive and have been in the process of purchasing for four, five or six years," he was quoted as saying during the conference "A New Era of European Security: Strategy, Joint Investments and Industry", organised by the European Parliament Office in Croatia.

According to Croatian media, the only two countries bordering Croatia that are not members of the EU or NATO are Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Anusic stressed that official Belgrade intends to continue purchasing weapons "that could be extremely dangerous if used."

In late January, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced the reinstatement of compulsory military service, stating that he was concerned about the alleged formation of military alliances against Serbia, apparently referring to cooperation between Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo.

Vučić also stated that the defensive capabilities of Serbia's air force and air defense have increased "drastically and dramatically."

Anusic said he did not want to speculate on the motives for arming Serbia, but stressed that the issue of defense should not be seen as something unnecessary.

"We must prepare to defend our borders, our living space and our people," he declared.

According to the Croatian minister, Europe must urgently change its approach to defense and security, adding that so far investments have been focused mainly on civilian infrastructure, civil society development, agriculture and the economy, but not directly on defense.

He called for the defense of the eastern borders to be treated as a unified whole, warning that it is “too late” to react late. According to him, countries on the eastern borders of the EU and NATO should have special treatment in financing weapons and military equipment, as they could be the next countries to be tested for NATO readiness.

Anusic explained that he was referring mainly to the Baltic countries, Finland and Romania, but also to Croatia, considering its geographical position in southeastern Europe.

He acknowledged that his speech might sound "very dark," but added that if such discussions had been held back in 2014, after Russia's annexation of Crimea, "we wouldn't have even one percent of these concerns that we have today."

The Geopost