Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar has indicated that the Adriatic Oil Pipeline (Janaf) may consider purchasing the Russian stake in the Oil Company of Serbia (NIS), which is facing potential US sanctions because of its Russian co-ownership.

“NIS must eliminate the Russian co-ownership, and I can assert that Janaf has the capacity and could be interested in acquiring that share, provided there is mutual understanding and cooperation,” Šušnjar expressed in an interview with Zagreb’s Jutarnji list.

He further noted that “there is no more natural business partnership.”

The minister, affiliated with the right-wing Homeland Movement (DP)—a junior partner in Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) government—saw it important for Serbia to expedite and minimize costs in supplying oil to its refinery.

“Currently, there is no alternative to Janaf. The companies complement each other, depend on one another, and will undoubtedly collaborate moving forward,” the minister highlighted, noting his recent appointment as President of the Janaf Assembly in January.

Šušnjar also stated that given their mutual dependency, Janaf would operate on a partnership basis with other co-owners and would not seek dominance, unlike certain other companies mentioned in discussions.

As of now, there has been no response to the Minister of Economy’s suggestion.

Some Croatian media outlets have reported uncertainty regarding whether any actual discussions have taken place between Janaf and NIS on this matter, reminding that NIS is a key client for Janaf.

The Homeland Movement is a minority coalition partner in the HDZ government, and a primary condition for its support was to remove the Independent Democratic Serbian Party from power.

During their election campaign, they focused on slogans opposing the SDSS and Milorad Pupovac, as well as the Serbian national minority. They continue to consider the exclusion of the SDSS from the Croatian government as a significant achievement.

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