The process of drafting the new National Security Strategy has been launched.
The first session of the Commission for Drafting the National Security Strategy and Law on Homeland Security System, which was established by the government on 3 November and is chaired by Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, was held this week, reports Jutarnji List on November 22, 2016.
The session was attended by Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence Igor Dragovan, representative of the Office of the President Željka Antunović, and representatives of ministries, government bodies, and experts in the field of national security.
Krstičević expressed satisfaction with the large number of present members, which proved there was a consensus about the need to adopt the two documents. At the first session, he wanted to present introductory elements for future activities of the two working groups which will lead the detailed work on these documents.
“The main goal is to redefine the concept of national security through the drafting of the National Security Strategy and the Law on Homeland Security System, which will be in line with recent, internal and external, geopolitical and economic changes and circumstances, to protect vital national interests and promote the fundamental values of the Croatian society, protect the integrity of the Croatian national territory and security of all our citizens”, the Minister concluded.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence Igor Dragovan (SDP) said that the security situation had changed and that Croatia should change its concept of national security as well. “In order to do this in the best possible way, we should include members of Parliament, and not only of the Committee on Defence. There will be different opinions and views, but this first step with such a wide discussion is excellent. I am sure we will reach a joint decision, in which those of us from the opposition also want to participate. National security is a matter of national interest of Croatia and all its citizens”, said Dragovan.
As head of both working groups, special adviser to the Defence Minister, retired General Dragutin Repinc, presented the timetable of activities. According to plans, the draft of the National Security Strategy will be ready by April 2017, when the public consultation period will be launched. Adoption of both documents in Parliament is expected in July 2017.
Security expert Vlatko Cvrtila informed members of the commission about trends and challenges in the area of national security. He cited examples of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, Hungary and Austria, and described current global threats and security risks. He stressed that a comprehensive approach to national security was needed, which required partnership between the national security sector and the entire society.
