I know I can count on Croatia's determination, which will push ambitious measures for Defence Europe, Parly told reporters in the Croatian Defence Ministry after a meeting with Croatian Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic, adding that she was referring to the EDF, which she said had to match the level of their ambitions.
The EDF is intended to develop the European defence industry.
In 2018 the European Commission proposed about €13 billion for the EDF within the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, and for the first time defence funding will be allocated from the European budget. However, no more than €7 billion is currently envisaged for the EDF.
Krsticevic on Wednesday said that Croatia was supporting a proposal to allocate €13 billion for the EDF, which was also backed by the European Parliament.
He said that Croatia saw France as an important partner, an ally, and he added that French and Croatia were cooperating well in the area of security and defence.
Krsticevic said that Parly had confirmed to him that the precision aerobatics demonstration unit of the French Air Force, Patrouille de France, which traditionally opens the Bastille Day military parade in Paris on July 14, would participate in an air show to mark 30 years of Croatian independence.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic met with French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly in Zagreb on Thursday to discuss the problem of illegal migration, a government press release said.
They discussed the current situation surrounding the problem of illegal migration, and Plenkovic spoke of his recent visit to the Greek-Turkish border and the situation there, as well as of the efforts being made by the Croatian police in protecting the border, the press release said.
Thousands of migrants have set out for Greece after Turkey opened its border towards Europe on 28 February in violation of the 2016 agreement with the European Union.
Senior EU officials, including Plenkovic, visited the Greek-Turkish border on Tuesday and met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Parly commended Croatia for its active and effective role in the presidency of the Council of the EU at a challenging time for Europe's future.
Plenkovic and Parly also discussed cooperation between Croatia and France in defence issues and areas relating to weapons and military equipment, as well as strengthening the EU's defence capabilities, the press release said.