Wassenaarse krant
EU WELCOMES CROATIA
Bonnie Klap
“Croatia, the Mediterranean as it once was….”
Who isn’t familiar with the melodious sounds and pretty sights of the TV-commercial promoting Croatia as a vacation destination?
As we enter the Atrium of The Hague’s City Hall, the reception being held here is not about tourism, but to celebrate the 21st Anniversary of its Independence and the important fact that, on July 1st 2013, Croatia will join the European Union as its 28th member.
The mood here is definitely upbeat, as the Croatians have done a marvelous job presenting their country. Numerous stalls are placed throughout the Atrium, each displaying a different aspect of what this interesting country has to offer in terms of culture. There is a wine tasting stall, where Croatian wines can be tasted, as well as a Croatian beer-stall. Typical Croatian delicacies can also be sampled and tourism-information is attractively displayed by the Croatian Tourist Office in order to draw even more attention to this “gem in the Mediterranean.”
Her Excellency Mrs. Vesela Mrden Korac, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, delivers an interesting speech, first thanking the Mayor of The Hague, Mr. Jozias van Aartsen, for providing the Embassy of Croatia with the opportunity to celebrate this festive occasion in The Hague’s City Hall. The Ambassador also mentions the fact hat more than 350,000 Dutch tourists visit Croatia annually, adding proudly that seven of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Croatia. It is not all about culture and tourism however, as Mrs. Mrden Korac want the guests to know that – in her own words – “Croatia’s EU- ambition does not come from perceiving the European Union as a mighty solution for our problems or a wealthy club that will finance our needs and requirements. Our ambition to join the EU comes from our strong belief in a European family of common values, a community in which we would like to play an active and constructive role, as we do in the UN, NATO and other international organizations.”
After her speech the famous Croatian cellist, Ms. Ana Rucner takes to the stage and treats the audience to her unique music. Looking around it is striking to see almost all men wearing exactly the same red necktie, compliments of the Embassy of Croatia, who handed out the ties to all the male guests to emphasize in a creative manner the fact that the necktie originated in Croatia. ( The French word “cravatte” comes from Croatia). Later on, as I ask the Ambassador to share her thoughts on joining the EU next year, her answer is short and sweet: “I am very happy and excited.”
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