French Minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad, in an interview ahead of a visit to Zagreb, answered a question about the sale of Rafale fighter jets to Serbia, a topic often raised by Croatian President Zoran Milanovi\u0107.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few days ago, Milanovi\u0107 did so particularly sharply, claiming: \u201cwe look like fools, because the French sell new Rafales to the Serbs and used ones to us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to the claim that the sale of Rafales to Croatia and neighboring non-NATO states raises questions of trust and consultation within the alliance, as well as the question of how France addresses the concerns of smaller partner states in NATO, Haddad gave an answer to Ve\u010dernji list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrance, Croatia, and other partners in the European Union and NATO share a strategic interest in the region, and especially Serbia, gradually freeing itself from dependence on Russia and strengthening its ties with Western countries. In that context, Croatia has a useful role, for example by providing alternative routes for oil and gas supply for its neighbors, including Serbia. The procurement of defense equipment from France or other Western countries, such as the United States, for countries outside NATO follows the same logic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to Croatia, the acquisition of Rafales goes far beyond the mere purchase of military equipment, he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is part of a broader effort by allies within NATO aimed at strengthening overall capabilities, interoperability, training, and common operational standards. Rafales strengthen Croatia\u2019s national defense and at the same time directly contribute to European and allied security. France will continue to contribute to the development of Croatian defense capabilities,\u201d the French minister told Ve\u010dernji.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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