Wadephul emphasizes that a united, open Europe is crucial for safeguarding against authoritarian pressures and ensuring prosperity and security, especially as the global landscape shifts.

He highlights that the success or failure of EU expansion will significantly influence Croatia and its neighboring countries, making unity and openness essential for regional stability.

During his visit to Zagreb, Wadephul plans to meet with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and will also speak at the Croatian Ambassador Conference.

Wadephul underscores Croatia's vital role in supporting the EU accession process of Western Balkan countries, viewing Croatia as a role model and bridge-builder in the region.

Since Croatia joined the EU and NATO in 2013, it is expected to influence the success of regional EU enlargement, with some countries already negotiating and others still in candidacy or status.

He advocates for Croatia to serve as a model and bridge for neighboring countries like Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and potential candidates such as Kosovo.

Wadephul warns that without clear EU perspectives rooted in rule of law and reforms, autocratic powers like Russia and China may exploit regional instability through disinformation, corruption, and violence.

He stresses the importance of providing candidate countries with transparent pathways into the EU, emphasizing that such prospects depend on adherence to fundamental rights and reforms, to prevent exploitation by autocratic regimes.