"We are proud to present to the world not only Croatian achievements, but also our creativity, heritage and vision of the future. Through our pavilion, we present not only the wealth of our cultural traditions, but also our progress in science, technology and sustainable development. I believe that EXPO 2025 plays a vital role as a catalyst for knowledge, cooperation and progress among nations. It is a place where the world comes together to share ideas, celebrate diversity and create new opportunities," said Prime Minister Plenković today in Osaka on the occasion of the celebration of the National Day of the Republic of Croatia at the EXPO 2025 exhibition.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković participated today in the celebration of the National Day of the Republic of Croatia at EXPO 2025 in Osaka.

“It is a great honour to address you today on the occasion of Croatia’s National Day at EXPO 2025 in Osaka.

It is a true privilege to be here and to participate in this global platform that celebrates innovation, dialogue, and cultural exchange.

We believe that EXPO represents more than just an exhibition—it is a place where nations come together to exchange ideas and inspire collective solutions to global challenges.

We are living in a decade marked by multiple, overlapping crises, with unprecedented consequences for our economies, societies, and global stability.

In the face of such constant and complex challenges, the only effective response is a collective one.

Climate Action and “Climadiversity”

Climate change is precisely the one challenge where we need this collective action.

This is why Croatia’s pavilion reflects our strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, while also raising awareness of the growing impact of climate change.

Croatia stands ready—bilaterally, within the European Union, and on the global stage—to take decisive action in the interest of both humanity and the planet.

That is why we have chosen the theme: “Croatia - Climadiversity”

It highlights Croatia’s extraordinary natural beauty and rich geographical diversity, while drawing attention to the climate challenges we face—and the urgency of addressing them.

One of the unique features of our pavilion is the ability for visitors to feel the actual air temperature in real time from 43 locations across Croatia.

Until now, technology allowed us to transmit live sound through radio or moving images through television.

For the very first time, our pavilion enables the transmission of temperature itself—not just numbers, but the actual physical sensation of warmth or cold from Croatia’s cities, coast, plains, and mountains.

This innovation, powered by over 15 kilometres of piping and 13,000 joints linked to meteorological stations across the country, has already attracted more than 350,000 visitors.

It is the first exhibition in the world where visitors can literally feel another country’s climate in real time— adjusting the time difference - turning the abstract notion of climate change into a direct, physical experience.

I would like to thank the creative team behind the Croatian Pavilion—Lana Grahek, Maroje Mrduljaš, Antonio Patljak, Pero Vuković, Korina Vuković, and the Arhiv Architecture & Urbanism studio—winners of the award for the best concept design.

My gratitude also goes to the Croatian company Enison, whose engineers and workers turned this vision into reality, building the pavilion in Zagreb and reassembling it here in Osaka after transporting it on five planes.

Finally, I thank my Government’s team and all Croatian institutions whose dedication made this project possible.

Sustainability and Growth

Sustainability lies at the heart of Croatia’s development model.

Ranked 8th globally among 193 countries in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, Croatia has proven that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

In 2024, Croatia’s GDP grew by 3.9%, while at the same time we reduced our ecological footprint—a clear signal that progress does not have to come at the expense of the planet.

In 2025, we project GDP growth to reach 3.2%, keeping Croatia among the fastest-growing economies in the European Union.

Sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without protecting natural resources and investing in green technologies.

By fostering innovation and accelerating digital transformation, we are creating new opportunities for a resilient, competitive economy.

Equally important is our commitment to reducing inequalities and ensuring social cohesion, which we see as essential pillars of long-term development.

Economic Achievements

Over the past few years, Croatia has consistently recorded steady GDP growth, surpassing the EU average.

Today, public debt stands at just 57% of GDP, and our general government deficit remains below 3%, reflecting prudent fiscal management.

This is a remarkable achievement, given that only four years ago our public debt stood at 86% of GDP—a reduction of nearly 30 percentage points.

Employment has reached a record high, while in just nine years Croatia has doubled its GDP per capita—from €11,000 to over €22,000—demonstrating both the resilience of our labour market and the strength of our economic and social policies.

These figures are not just statistics—they translate into real improvements in the quality of life for our citizens.

Unemployment, including long-term unemployment, is at historic lows.

Exports of goods and services have expanded significantly, driven by strong performance in tourism, manufacturing, and digital industries.

Foreign direct investment continues to rise, reflecting international confidence in Croatia’s economic outlook.

EU funds are being channeled into strategic areas—such as infrastructure, education, and innovation—ensuring that our growth remains inclusive and sustainable.

In just three decades, Croatia has moved from a war-torn country to one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, welcoming more than 20 million visitors each year.

With 5.5 visitors per inhabitant, we rank first in Europe in number of tourists per capita.

Croatia’s Heritage and Identity

Croatia is endowed with some of the richest natural and cultural heritage in Europe.

More than 10% of our territory is protected: 12 nature parks, 8 national parks, and 2 strict reserves—often earning us the name “National Park of Europe.”

Culturally, Croatia bridges East and West.

Alongside our Slavic identity, we inherit the legacies of ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as the cultural influences of the Franks, Venetians, Germans, Hungarians, and Ottomans.

We are proud to have 8 cultural sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and 21 elements on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List—placing us third in Europe.

Croatia as a Land of Innovators

Croatia is also a land of innovators.

Ivan Blaž Lupis invented the first torpedo in 1861 in Rijeka.

Nikola Tesla invented alternating current, enabling the mass electrification of cities and the world—technology that still powers most of our household appliances today.

In 1895, Šibenik in Croatia became the first city in the world lit by this system, built in the very same year as the hydroelectric plant at Niagara Falls.

Franjo Hanaman invented the first commercially viable energy-efficient light bulb with a tungsten filament, while Josip Belušić presented the speedometer at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889.

In modern times, Tomislav Uzelac developed the MP3 format in 1997, revolutionizing digital sound recording.

Croatian innovators are also behind the world’s most popular math app, Photomath, which allows users to solve equations simply by taking a photo of them—and which was acquired by Google in 2023 for hundreds of millions of euros.

And Mate Rimac—a young entrepreneur who started his journey in a garage and is now leading a unicorn company that acquired Bugatti—today produces the world’s fastest electric hypercar, the Nevera, setting a top speed of 412 km/h.

Since I had the pleasure of travelling here from Tokyo on the famous Shinkansen, I can say with a smile that the Nevera is one of the very few electric cars in the world that can truly be compared with your legendary bullet train.

Croatia’s Vision for the Future

Croatia’s path forward is clear:

To balance robust economic performance with environmental responsibility,

To enhance competitiveness while safeguarding social cohesion,

And to continue building a future that is both prosperous and sustainable.

Croatia today is a proud member of NATO, the European Union, the Eurozone, and the Schengen Area—and will soon join the OECD, standing side by side with Japan.

Our identity as “the Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe” reflects both our geography and our role as a connector of cultures, trade, and innovation.

Today, we are proud to present not only Croatia’s achievements, but also our creativity, heritage, and forward-looking vision to the world.

Through our pavilion, we showcase not only the richness of our cultural traditions, but also our progress in science, technology, and sustainable development.

I believe EXPO 2025 plays a vital role as a catalyst for knowledge, cooperation, and progress among nations.

It is a place where the world comes together to share ideas, celebrate diversity, and create new opportunities.

The diversity of cultures and innovations gathered here is a powerful reminder of our shared potential—and the promising future we can build together.

On behalf of Croatian government, I extend our sincere gratitude to the organizers and to the people of Japan for their warm hospitality and dedication in hosting this remarkable global event.

And before I conclude, allow me a lighter note.

One garment originating from Croatia began to conquer the world four centuries ago, during the Thirty Years’ War, when it was worn by Croatian cavalrymen.

That garment—the necktie—has since become an indispensable part of Japanese business attire.

We are proud that a piece of Croatian heritage now unites us in every boardroom.”

On Croatia's National Day, the Minister for the World Expo 2025, Ito Yoshitake, also addressed the gathering.

Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu was also present, and the Croatian delegation expressed its satisfaction that the successes of Croatian football are recognized and appreciated in Japan.

An agreement on cooperation between two friendly football associations, Croatian and Japanese, was signed in Tokyo, and today, as part of EXPO, a cooperation agreement was signed between the two Olympic committees.

This also strengthens the sports dimension of cooperation between Croatia and Japan.