At a moment of escalating geopolitical pressure, EPP leaders convened in Zagreb for the Leaders’ Retreat on 30-31 January, hosted together with Prime Minister and HDZ President Andrej Plenković. During the two-day retreat, leaders held strategic discussions on European security and shared their thoughts on how to enhance Europe’s capacity to confront global challenges. The EPP remains committed to ensure a strong and visible Europe on the global stage. The party’s priorities for 2026 include the need to boost growth, advance trade, strengthen security and protect the European borders integrity. Leaders also adopted a statement on demography, a common challenge faced by many European societies. At the initiative of Croatia, demography was recognised as a strategic challenge and included in the New Strategic Agenda 2019–2024. Demographic renewal must therefore be a strategic imperative of the European Union. “We must bring back politics to the reality of the European citizens. This is about improving the daily lives of Europeans, from cost of living to security. This is what EPP is about: delivering for the citizens. As Europe’s leading political force, we must also prepare our continent for tomorrow’s challenges by shaping the future of the European debate”, stated EPP President Manfred Weber. “Preparing the future of Europe also means keeping its demographic strength. A prosperous and competitive Europe relies on its demographic vitality. We are witnessing an aging of our population which is affecting our societies and labour force. Demographic renewal is thus a priority for Europe and the EPP”, said Prime Minister and HDZ President Andrej Plenković. During the meeting leaders also heard a powerful contribution via video conference from Nobel Peace Price winner Maria Corina Machado online, who shared her reflections on the current situation in Venezuela and reminded EPP leaders that Venezuelans live in continuous fear of oppression by the regime. The EPP stands with the people of Venezuela on their path toward a democratic transition. Links for the full statements here:

• Our priorities for 2026. Time for Europe’s Independence.
• Demographic Renewal: A Strategic Imperative for Europe