January 30, 2025 – The Croatian Embassy in Berlin proudly hosted the launch of the German-Croatian Forum e.V., a pioneering non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening the bonds between Germany and Croatia. This dynamic platform serves to empower entrepreneurs, business leaders, and decision-makers to facilitate opportunities across diverse sectors of business, politics and culture. By fostering bilateral communication, the initiative is set to create new and meaningful relationships while nurturing well-established partnerships that lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and innovation across both nations.
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Fostering Growth
The German-Croatian Forum is committed to empowering key stakeholders to seize opportunities for economic prosperity. The Forum’s mission is clear: to serve as a catalyst for collaboration, entrepreneurship and innovation, leveraging the strong growth of the Croatian economy and attractive macroeconomic indicators to benefit German entrepreneurs. By encouraging dialogue and cooperation, the Forum aims to bridge gaps and cultivate partnerships that will, in turn, enhance economic relations between the two countries.
Keynote speaker Mr. Josip Juratović, a Representative of the Bundestag, highlighted the importance of political cooperation in improving economic ties. He emphasised the necessity for continued dialogue between Croatian and German partners within the broader European context, reinforcing the shared values and goals that unite both nations.
Prominent Figures and Initiatives
The event was inaugurated by the Croatian Ambassador to Germany, HE Mr. Gordan Bakota, who stressed the significance of strengthening economic ties. Ambassador Bakota underscored the Forum’s role in promoting new partnerships and cooperation among the nearly 500,000 Croats living in Germany and Germans interested in Croatia.
In her address, German Croatian Forum Chairwoman Ms Maja Vuksic emphasised the organisation’s commitment to deepening and strengthening the ties between Germany and Croatia. She cited the enormous potential still to be unlocked in both countries. She said, “The German-Croatian Forum is founded on a simple but profound idea that a long-standing friendship between our two nations deserves a dedicated platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation.” Mr Marc Pruem, chairman of the German Croatian Forum, highlighted the strong growth of the Croatian economy and the good macroeconomic indicators that could be attractive to German stakeholders.
Well-Received by Attendees
The launch of the German-Croatian Forum was met with enthusiasm and optimism by the guests in attendance. Attendees praised the Forum’s commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration and its potential to unlock new avenues for growth and innovation.