The summit was organised by the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, and it focused on perspectives for integration of South East European countries into the European Union, regional cooperation and implementation of the necessary reforms in the countries of the region. The consequences of the global economic crisis were also discussed, as well as efforts of countries in the region to overcome those consequences with international assistance and assistance provided by the European Union.

In his speech, Minister Jandroković thanked the Spanish presidency for the organisation of this summit which provided an opportunity for the exchange of opinions on achievements and future plans of the South East of Europe. Ten years after the Zagreb Summit and seven years after then Thessaloniki Agenda, countries in the region have made significant progress, said Minister Jandroković. He stressed that Croatia was in the final stage of accession negotiations and it would soon join the European Union, while other countries in the region have also made progress on their Euro Atlantic path.

Stressing that the Union enlargement policy has given, and still gives confidence and a strong stimulus to reforms and cooperation, as well as to stability and prosperity in the European continent, he expressed his conviction that the enlargement process should be continued in accordance with the set criteria and individual achievements of South East European countries.

He mentioned strengthened regional dialogue and cooperation, as well as commitment to reconciliation as the most visible positive result of the European perspective. Croatia has always been faithful to values of a sincere and non-selfish partnership with all countries in the region and it will continue to be so in the future, said Minister Jandroković and reminded of the economic cooperation within CEFTA and of the establishment and successful development of the Regional Cooperation Council. In addition, he stressed that strong commitment of Croatia for regional cooperation had recently been confirmed once again by the offering of Croatian translations of the European Union acquis to countries of South-East Europe.

Minister Jandroković also said that Croatia supported the liberalisation of the European Union visa regime for citizens of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, and that he hoped that the same decision, in accordance with the recent announcements made by the European Commission, would be made for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania as well.

Regardless of open bilateral issues, Croatia’s view is that these should not represent obstacles for accession processes for membership of the European Union, said Minister Jandroković. In that sense, all bilateral issues among countries in the region should be resolved in accordance with international law and in the European spirit of good-neighbourly relations.

He mentioned that countries in the region had been increasingly taking their share of responsibility for the fulfilment of criteria for membership of the European Union, and said that Croatia would continue to be actively involved in the shaping of the common European future by sharing its knowledge and experiences. It is very important with a view to supporting future efforts aimed at achieving this final goal that the European Union makes sure that the goal of membership remains achievable and that countries in the South East of Europe remain at the top of its agenda, concluded Minister Jandroković.

The summit was organised ten years after the Zagreb Summit which provided a European perspective to all countries in the region and initiated the process of reforms necessary for their integration into Europe.

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