Croatia Summit 2011, Dubrovnik, 9. srpnja 2011.
Govor potpredsjednika Vlade i ministra Gordana Jandrokovića na panelu s naslovom "EU proširenje"

 

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Introductory remarks by H. E. Gordan Jandroković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia
at the Croatia Summit 2011

Panel III: EU Enlargement

Dubrovnik, July 9, 2011

Excellencies,
Dear colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to open this panel in which we will, I hope, have a fruitful exchange of views on a topic so frequently discussed both within the European Union, but primarily in this part of Europe, which still remains to be integrated into the European mainstream.
And this pleasure is even greater since this Summit comes at a significant moment as regards the precise topic of EU enlargement.
Croatia has last week successfully brought its accession negotiations with the EU to an end, thus completing a long but ultimately rewarding journey, adding to the symbolism of the 20th anniversary of our independence.
At the expense of sounding repetitive, allow me to nevertheless once more use the statement of EU enlargement being the catalyst of change across the European continent over the past six decades.
And the example of Croatia proves that these are not just empty words.
The mere comparison of the Croatia at the moment of gaining independence and the Croatia of today speaks volumes of the tremendous and profound changes our state and society have undergone.
What needs to be put into the foreground is the unquestionable benefit that these changes have brought in the everyday life of our citizens.
In short, the judiciary is more effective, the rule of law guaranteed, corruption fought on all levels, the business environment more competitive and financial markets more open.
Croatia has seen itself being changed every day, and irreversibly so.
We take pride in the results we have achieved and I have no doubts that our commitment to uphold the reform momentum will take us to our final destination – Croatia’s accession as the 28th Member State of the EU on 1 July 2013.
We expect our Accession Treaty to be signed before the end of this year, followed by a smooth ratification in the Member States.
And with Hannes, Doris and other MEPs on our side, I believe the consent of the European Parliament is a done deal.
I can claim without hesitation that this is what Croatia deserves.
Our road was not easy, with the rules sometimes changing along the way, while the degree of difficulty in some areas surpassed all expectations. But we never doubted that we would succeed.
Precisely this is the message I wish to convey to all the countries that are to follow on our path: EU enlargement continues if accompanied by reform vigour of the acceding countries.
Stick to this philosophy and you can and will succeed!
But there is another equally important aspect of this philosophy.
Although it is often said that the ball is in the field of the aspirant country, the responsibility for turning the perspective of EU membership into reality does not lie in its hands alone.
In other words, for the EU accession process to be successful, it needs to be perceived as a two way road.
And this entails:

In this context it is important to underline that each country joining the EU represents an added value to this community of nations in more ways than one.
As a country both maritime and continental, at the crossroads of the Danube basin and the Mediterranean, with a specific understanding of its neighbourhood and extensive regional co-operation, Croatia will perfectly fit into the mosaic of Europe’s unity in diversity.
Among all these facets one clearly stands out.
And that is Croatia’s orientation to act as the voice of South East Europe in the EU and the continuation of EU’s enlargement policy.
Our own, I should say very extensive experience, is firmly built into Croatia’s vision of the substance and dimensions of future EU enlargement.
It is a vision of a process based on individual merits.
A process not burdened with open bilateral issues or artificial hurdles.
And a process strict but fair, rewarding concrete achievements.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Earlier today this Summit has provided a platform to discuss economic issues and security in the Mediterranean, topics without doubt ranking high on the EU’s agenda.
But before opening the floor for discussion, let me express my persuasion that EU enlargement is a topic deserving equal attention and that for the sake of the aspirant countries and the EU alike, it should be treated as such.

I would now like to give the word to our panelists.
I am very glad that so many distinguished speakers are here today.
Since we would like to hear you all, I kindly ask you to stick to the schedule which foresees three to five minutes for each presentation.
I would like to start by inviting Vice Prime Minister Pawlak to open the discussion.
Now I would kindly ask Minister Janos Martonyi to take the floor.
We will continue with the remarks of Minister Bildt. Carl, please take the floor.
Let us proceed with the presentation of Minister Nickolay Mladenov.
I would now like to invite Minister Kristovskis to share his views with us.
The next speaker on my list is Minister Enver Hoxhaj.
Let me now give the word to the Deputy Director-General for Enlargement Mr Stefano Sannino. The floor is yours!
I am now looking forward to the remarks of Mrs Doris Pack.
Let us now turn to the presentation of Mr. Hannes Swoboda.
And our last speaker is the Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Affairs Mr Costello.

Closing remarks:
Let me at the end of this panel thank all the participants for their valuable remarks and allow me to briefly summarize what we have discussed today.
All of us present here agree that the EU perspective for South East Europe remains open and that EU enlargement continues.
We wish Croatia’s success and the recently opened negotiations on Iceland’s accession to the EU to be perceived as an incentive and encouragement to the countries of South East Europe to engage more actively in reforms and cooperation so as to reach the next stage in their respective accession processes.
To avoid what Commissioner Füle recently identified as enlargement apathy in the region and enlargement fatigue in the Member States, it is of utmost importance for both sides to stick to their commitments.
This is the only way to make the next EU enlargement round running.
It is certainly a vital interest of Croatia.
An interest we share with the European Union and its Member States.
And it is most definitely the interest as well as the driving force for all countries of South East Europe.
So let us join efforts in making this driving force stronger than ever!
Thank you!

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