Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, 4th President of Croatia (2015-)

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, born on April 29, 1968, is a prominent Croatian politician and diplomat whose career has significantly shaped modern Croatia's international presence. Her surname is pronounced [ɡrǎbar kitǎːroʋitɕ] for those interested in its Croatian phonetics. She etched her name in the nation's history by serving as the President of Croatia from 2015 to 2020, a tenure marked by several historical firsts.

Her election to the highest office was particularly significant. She became the very first woman to be elected President of Croatia since the country transitioned to a multi-party system in 1990 and gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Beyond this, at 46 years of age when she assumed the presidency, she also held the distinction of being the youngest person ever to take on the role of head of state in the independent Republic of Croatia, symbolizing a shift towards a new generation of leadership.

A Distinguished Career Before the Presidency

Before ascending to the presidency, Grabar-Kitarović accumulated a wealth of experience across various governmental and diplomatic positions, demonstrating a deep commitment to public service and international relations. Her journey began with key roles within the Croatian government and diplomatic corps:

Presidential Tenure and Key Initiatives

During her five-year term as President, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović championed several important initiatives and represented Croatia with considerable global visibility. One of her most notable achievements was the launch of the Three Seas Initiative in 2015, a project she co-founded with Polish President Andrzej Duda. This ambitious forum aimed to foster greater connectivity, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and digital links, among twelve European Union member states located between the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas. Its goal was to boost economic growth and convergence in Central and Eastern Europe, bridging historical divides and strengthening regional cooperation.

Her international profile was also recognized by Forbes magazine, which, in 2017, listed Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović as the world's 39th most powerful woman. This acknowledgment highlighted her influence on the global political landscape and her role as a significant female leader.

Political Affiliation and Constitutional Requirements

Prior to her election, Grabar-Kitarović was an active member of the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party, holding membership from 1993 until 2015. She was also one of three Croatian members of the Trilateral Commission, a non-governmental policy discussion group. However, upon taking office as president in 2015, she was constitutionally required to resign from both her party membership and her position within the Trilateral Commission. This stipulation is a cornerstone of Croatian presidential politics, ensuring that the head of state remains non-partisan and acts as a unifying figure above day-to-day political party maneuvering.

Awards and Post-Presidency Engagements

Throughout her distinguished career, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović has received numerous accolades, reflecting her contributions to diplomacy, public service, and international relations. Among these is the prestigious Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging her profound impact and dedication. She has also been honored with a variety of national and international awards, decorations, honorary doctorates, and honorary citizenships, underscoring her broad recognition and esteem.

Following the conclusion of her presidential term in 2020, Grabar-Kitarović continued her involvement in global affairs through a different avenue. She was elected as Croatia's representative in the esteemed International Olympic Committee (IOC), taking on a new role that combines her diplomatic experience with a passion for sport and international cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović serve as President of Croatia?
She served as the President of Croatia from 2015 to 2020.
What was her most significant initiative as president?
One of her most significant initiatives was co-founding and launching the Three Seas Initiative in 2015, aimed at fostering connectivity in Central and Eastern Europe.
Was she the first woman president of Croatia?
Yes, she was the first woman to be elected to the office of President of Croatia since the first multi-party elections in 1990 and the country's independence in 1991.
What was her role at NATO?
Before becoming president, she served as Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy at NATO from 2011 to 2014, working under Secretaries General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Jens Stoltenberg.
Which political party did she belong to before becoming president?
She was a member of the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party from 1993 to 2015. However, she resigned her membership upon assuming the presidency due to constitutional requirements.
What is the Three Seas Initiative?
The Three Seas Initiative is a political and economic platform launched in 2015 by Croatia and Poland, bringing together twelve EU member states in Central and Eastern Europe to promote connectivity in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure across the region between the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas.
What is Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović doing after her presidency?
After her presidential term ended in 2020, she was elected as Croatia's representative in the International Olympic Committee (IOC).