Canada-Croatia relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and Croatia have built a positive and friendly relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993, following Croatia’s 1991 declaration of independence from the former Yugoslavia. Relations are supported by people-to-people links, growing commercial ties, and shared values.
Canada is represented in Croatia by its embassy in Zagreb. Croatia has an embassy in Ottawa, a consulate general in Mississauga, and an honorary consul in Vancouver.
Political relations
The last several years have seen a significant strengthening of Canada-Croatia bilateral relations. In March 2009, Canada lifted the visa requirement for Croatian citizens travelling to Canada. Canada has supported Croatia’s integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, Croatia’s formal accession to NATO in 2009, and to the European Union in 2013. Croatia ratified the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement in April 2018.
Bilateral agreements
Canada and Croatia signed a youth mobility arrangement in May 2010 that lead to the start of the International Experience Canada program for Croatian youth. The mobility arrangement allows Canadian and Croatian youth between the ages of 18 and 35 to travel, obtain work permits and work in either country for a period of up to 12 months.
Canada and Croatia signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation in 1999. The two governments also signed a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement in 1997, and concluded an air transport agreement in 2006.
Trade relations
Bilateral commercial relations between Canada and Croatia are modest but growing every year. The Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce in Toronto and the Canadian-Croatian Business Network in Zagreb have been active in promoting bilateral trade and organizing trade missions. Croatian-Canadians play a key role in developing trade and investment opportunities in both countries.
Croatia has been a strong supporter of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and became the third EU Member state to ratify CETA at the national level, on June 30, 2017. As an inclusive trade agreement, CETA addresses or eliminates barriers in virtually all sectors and aspects of Canada-Croatia bilateral trade, increases jobs and promotes new commercial opportunities for Canadian and Croatian businesses.
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Defence cooperation
Croatia is a valued Ally that has served alongside the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and other NATO missions and plays an important role in NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence. Royal Canadian Navy ships regularly visit Croatian ports, including HMCS Fredericton in March 2023.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Croatia work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- European Union (EU)
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- Open Government Partnership (OGP)
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
- Pacific Alliance
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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