The foreign relations between Albania and Croatia are bound together by shared history, neighboring geography and common political ideologies. Both states established diplomatic relations in 1992, following the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the independence of Croatia. They have historically shared a special relationship due to their convergent nation-building efforts. Modern relations are warm and friendly.[1][2]
In April 2009, both countries became full members of NATO at an event which both Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader attended.[5][6] In the same year, the two countries decided to build a joint nuclear power plant on the Albanian border with Montenegro.[7] This decision was greeted warily by the government of Montenegro, which is worried about the plant's environmental impact. The two nations have a history of defense pacts as part of their military partnership.[8]
Another major factor in the relationship is historic and current Albanian emigration to Croatia, including the centuries-old Arbanasi community. In July 2016 an Albanian middle-school was inaugurated in Zadar for the Arbanasi people living there and books in Albanian were delivered from the Albanian Embassy in Zagreb.[9] More than 50 pupils started their studies in the Albanian school for the school year 2016–2017.[10][11]
Albania and Croatia have discussed the possibility of jointly building a nuclear power plant at Lake Shkoder, close to the border with Montenegro, a plan that has gathered criticism from Montenegro due to seismicity in the area.[12]
Both nations collaborate closely on economic matters and initiatives. In 2014, the trading volume was about was 46.330 million euros. An increasing number of Croatian companies are investing in Albania. In 2013, 13.870 million euros of direct investment came from Croatia to Albania. In addition, major Albanian companies are expanding to Croatia.[13]
