Prime Minister Dr. Ivo Sanader writes about the opening of EU accession talks with Croatia in the Croatian weekly Globus. Click on the link below for full text.
An Historic Step in the Completion of the Croatian State Project (Globus)
The beginning of EU accession negotiations are an historic step in completing the national and strategic project which was launched with the establishment, and then preservation and liberation of Croatia as an independent state, and which is continuing with its accelerated integration into the most significant organization of modern Europe. The majority of Croatians and the citizens of our country clearly support the historical connection between Croatia acquiring its independence, and its liberation, with the drawing of Croatia on to the map of Europe.
It is with great satisfaction that I can reiterate that Croatia has thus far clearly been successful on its journey toward EU integration. No other country has in such a short time period managed to receive a positive avis – which recognized Croatia as a democratic country with an effective as well as free market economy – to becoming a candidate-country for EU membership with an adopted framework for accession negotiations, and now to the opening of accession talks to which we bear witness today. Sometimes evident truths need to be repeated in order for us to completely understand the nature of the progress achieved, as in this case, but also to highlight the difficult nature of the endeavor. And, may I add, so that we may overcome the occasional but still noticeable lack of belief in ourselves.
A stable democracy and the rule of law, reaffirmed once again in the past few days with the opening of the accession negotiations, together with political stability, social tolerance and respect for human and minority rights, is the basis of our full departure from that period of time when our country was being formed, which includes that post war as well as transition period, into a period of European security and European values. The economy, foreign investments, position of our citizens, the security of our society, and reforms in all areas – all of this is based upon the rule of law. It is precisely due to our respect for the institutions that govern the rule of law that we have ensured full cooperation with the Hague Tribunal.
The last report by Carla Del Ponte is a clear confirmation not only of our cooperation with the Hague Tribunal, but also of our mutual trust. Continued cooperation with this institution is at the same time an integral part of fulfilling the recommendations stated in the positive avis on Croatia's membership in the EU and further strengthening of that membership criteria which has already been fulfilled. Croatian citizens have for many years looked toward the EU as a model for living that offers peace, security and prosperity, and also offers the possibility for achieving overall social progress and personal fulfillment. This is the reason why Croatian society has placed upon itself the goal of full membership in the EU.
In those countries that have in the past year joined the EU, preparations for membership proved to be the most effective catalyst and motivating factor for carrying out wide-ranging and demanding political, economic and social reforms. Such reforms are difficult, at times painful, and often costly. They encroach upon all layers of society. The necessity of implementing these reforms can only be explained and articulated to our citizens in the context of the overall process of integration into the EU and the individual advantages offered by these new values and the new kind of prosperity that they will bring to each person and every family.
I do not wish to speculate how long the accession talks will last, but I can assure you that we will strive to lead quick and qualitative negotiations. At the same time, however, we must be aware that content is more important than a timeframe. Our negotiators will never neglect quality for the sake of speed. Through the negotiations we will strive to, amongst other things, make up for time lost due to – in contrast to other countries in transition – the war that was imposed on us, as well as because of inadequately focused and inadequately energized post-war policies. I know that we can achieve this, because I firmly believe in the strength of Croatia and in the abilities of our people when they commit themselves to fulfilling a common goal. Apart from this, we are already dealing with an EU that is ready for negotiations, and a fully prepared negotiating team. The final decision on Croatia's accession will be in the hands of EU member-states.
The opening of negotiations with Croatia can be an additional motivating factor for countries in the region that are also on the path to EU integration. I am proud to say that many cite Croatia as a leader in the region and an example to other countries. We are aware of our responsibility for achieving stability and progress in the wider region, and we will continue playing an active role in this regard. This is why the future EU membership of Croatia is not only an asset for Croatia, but also for its neighbors in Southeast Europe.
Finally, I foresee a bright future for Croatia and a bright future for Europe, since the project of European integration has for the first time in history ensured more than half a century of peace and progress on the European continent.
I believe – and this is my political objective – that Croatian citizens will, as citizens of the European Union, participate as equals in the next round of elections for the European Parliament.
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