Abu Dhabi, 9 May 2025 – Representatives of the UAE–Croatia Business Club had the honour of attending this year’s Europe Day celebration in Abu Dhabi, hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to the United Arab Emirates. The reception took place at the elegant Park Hyatt Hotel and Villas on Saadiyat Island and marked both Europe Day and the 10th anniversary of the EU Delegation’s presence in the UAE.
Every year on May 9, Europe Day commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, a visionary speech that laid the foundations for what would become today’s European Union—an enduring symbol of peace, unity, and economic cooperation.
The UAE–Croatia Business Club was represented by its President, Mr. Neven Roginić, and Vice Chair, Mrs. Ida Pandur, who joined over 250 distinguished guests, including ambassadors of EU Member States, senior UAE government officials, international organisation representatives, and members of the diplomatic and business communities.
The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, who graciously invited the Club’s leadership to participate in the celebration alongside prominent European and Emirati figures.
Key Messages from Ambassador Berger
In her address, H.E. Lucie Berger underscored the strong and strategic relationship between the EU and the UAE, noting several milestones:
The UAE is now the EU’s largest export market and investment partner in the MENA region.
Since 2015, visa-free travel has been in effect between the EU and UAE, greatly enhancing mobility and business ties.
She praised the UAE for its constructive role in mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as for its humanitarian contributions.
Ambassador Berger also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in areas such as:
Energy transition and sustainability
Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies
Security, education, and research
And a potential Free Trade Agreement between the EU and the UAE, which could further strengthen bilateral trade, investment flows, and regulatory alignment.
Significance for the UAE–Croatia Business Club
The presence of the UAE–Croatia Business Club at this diplomatic occasion is a reflection of its growing role in connecting Croatian businesses with the UAE market. With the Croatian Business Council currently in the process of being established under Dubai Chambers, events such as Europe Day serve as vital platforms for institutional visibility, networking, and collaboration.
As the Club continues to position Croatian entrepreneurs as reliable and strategic partners in the Gulf region, its leadership is committed to engaging with European and Emirati institutions that share a vision for sustainable development, peace, and mutual prosperity.
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