Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković told an informal meeting of EPP (European People’s Party) leaders in Athens on Saturday that the political group should lead Europe in a difficult period ahead, according to a statement from his party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). , reports the Croatian news agency HINA.

The meeting was attended by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metzola, the President of the EPP, Manfred Weber, the Presidents of Cyprus and Romania, respectively, Nicos Anastasiades and Klaus Iohannis, Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger, Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehhammer, Vice- Italian Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, CDU (German Christian Democratic Union) President Friedrich Merz and other officials and leaders of EPP formations.

The EPP expressed clear support for Ukraine, saying the EU should continue to provide aid to the country, and discussed the preparations of member parties for the 2024 European Parliament elections, in which it will try to retain its majority.

“As the strongest political group, the EPP bears a great responsibility to demonstrate leadership and support citizens and the business environment during the crisis,” the press release states.

The Prime Minister of Croatia emphasized in his speech that in this period of challenges for Europe and its citizens, the EPP should be at the forefront of finding solutions to reduce inflationary pressure and ensure acceptable prices for energy carriers, as well as energy and food. resources.