He has been a member of state delegations at a high level and ministerial meetings as well as at the summit meetings, a participant at scientific and political conferences and expert meetings. He served as Minister Counsellor, Head of the Department for European Integrations, MFA.

He is co-author and editor of books and proceedings in the field of international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy as well as the author of more than forty original scientific works in Croatian, English and French.

H.E. Mladen Andrlić was born in Pula, Croatia. He is married, with two children.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in Hungary in the autumn of 2017, after I had been posted Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Hungary.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, in Bruxelles and Bern, where I also served in the rank of Ambassador as deputy head of Croatia’s multilateral mission to the EC, as well as head of our bilateral Embassy.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Since I had visited Hungary many times before as a tourist, as well as officially, I do really enjoy today’s quality of life and standards provided by the dedicated Hungarians and their EU membership, intertwined with splendid cultural and historical roots.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do? 
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, I would certainly recommend the VII. District and atmosphere of this most dynamic city quarter, but now the best choice turned into fascinating views of Buda and Pest while walking along the breezy Danube.  

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
'Harcsa pörkölt'!

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Fruits.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Szia, meaning ‘see you’ and even ‘bok’ in Croatian slang.

8. What do you miss most from home? 
My family and friends, including our cocker spaniel Cordy!

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Starting as a researcher before becoming a diplomat, I also might have dealt with journalism.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
In-office clerk job carried out by automatic repetition of activities, where a search for creative alternatives and solutions is missing.

 11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
I usually spend my vacations in Croatia, namely in Baška on the island of Krk, and in Primošten.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
I hope to enjoy the forthcoming Christmas with my family at home in Zagreb.

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
Last minute arrivals in spite of doing all my best to be on time.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, ‘The Strawberry Statement’, guitar, handball.

15. Red wine or white?
Here in Hungary I have learnt to appreciate rosé, but white remains my favourite wine.

16. Book or movie?
Always a book.

17. Morning person or night person?
Night person.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Respecting each other and decency.

19. Buda or Pest side?
Let me opt for Pest, where the City is to be found, as well as my residence and the Embassy.

20. What would you say is your personal motto? 
The first cut is the deepest, but nobody’s perfect …


Photo: Dávid Harangozó - Diplomacy & Trade