UAE-Croatia Business Club Meets with H.E. Lucie Berger, EU Ambassador to the UAE
As part of our ongoing efforts to deepen international economic ties and foster meaningful dialogue between institutions, the UAE-Croatia Business Club had the honor of officially visiting the Delegation of the European Union to the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was hosted by H.E. Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, and joined by Mr. Sándor Szelekovszky, First Counsellor and Head of Section for Trade and Other Policies.
Representing the UAE-Croatia Business Club and the Croatian Council (currently in the process of formal establishment under the Dubai Chambers framework), Mr. Neven Roginić, President of the Club, held a constructive and forward-looking discussion with Ambassador Berger and her team.
The Key Discussion: Why Croatia Needs an Embassy in the UAE
A central topic of the meeting was the absence of a Croatian embassy in the UAE, a point which was acknowledged with genuine concern. All other EU member states maintain embassies in the UAE, underscoring its strategic importance as a gateway to the broader Gulf and MENA regions.
Ambassador Berger and Mr. Szelekovszky expressed their full encouragement and support for Croatia to establish a permanent diplomatic mission in the UAE, recognizing that such a step would significantly bolster Croatia’s presence in this fast-growing economic hub. With an increasing number of Croatian companies entering the Emirati market, having institutional support on the ground has become not just desirable, but necessary.
Croatia’s Growing Presence in the UAE Market
Mr. Roginić shared updates on the momentum building around Croatian business engagement in the UAE. Through the UAE-Croatia Business Club and the upcoming Croatian Council, dozens of Croatian companies have already entered or are actively exploring opportunities in sectors like:
- Real estate development
- Information and communications technology
- Green energy and environmental innovation
- Design, hospitality, and lifestyle industries
- Commodity trading and logistics
The establishment of a Croatian Embassy would support these growing business interests with consular, administrative, and diplomatic infrastructure.
EU–UAE Economic Dialogue and Regional Cooperation
The conversation also touched on wider EU-UAE economic collaboration, especially in light of recent progress toward expanding EU-GCC free trade discussions and sustainable energy cooperation. Ambassador Berger emphasized the EU’s interest in ensuring that its member states are strongly represented in the UAE, both institutionally and economically.
As a recognized voice for Croatian business in the Emirates, Mr. Roginić confirmed his participation in upcoming forums and dialogue platforms led by the EU Delegation, where Croatia’s interests will be represented in discussions about the European Union’s strategic role and competitiveness in the region.
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with a shared vision: that Croatia has both the opportunity and the responsibility to reinforce its commitment to the region through permanent diplomatic representation. The UAE-Croatia Business Club will continue to advocate for deeper integration of Croatian and Emirati business ecosystems, and to work in close cooperation with EU institutions and trade bodies.
We extend our sincere gratitude to H.E. Lucie Berger and Mr. Sándor Szelekovszky for their warm reception and insightful exchange. We look forward to a continued partnership that aligns Croatia’s economic ambitions with the broader goals of the European Union in the Gulf region.
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