„Croatian Evening“ organized in EESC building in Brussels

„Croatian Evening“ titled Colours of Croatia was organized in the building of European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels, 9 July 2008, in cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, EESC, and the Croatian Mission to the EU. Visitors of the „Croatian Evening“, coming mostly from European institutions, had the opportunity to enjoy the palette of colors, sounds and tastes of Croatia.

Over 500 guests, diplomats, European officials and servants attended the „Croatian Evening“ formally opened by Croatian Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandroković, EESC President Dimitris Dimitriadis, and Croatian Ambassador to the EU Branko Baričević. Guests were offered the presentation of Croatian gastronomic specialties accompanied by the sound of Zagreb ensemble Tango Appassionato, and about 50 photographs of master of Croatian photography Ivo Pervan, who was also among guests.

EESC is an advisory body of the EU representing interest of different economic and social interest groups at the European level, and is considered as a bridge between EU institutions and civil society. EESC advises European Commission, Council of the EU, and the European Parliament in legal proceedings in certain areas of the EU jurisdiction.

Addressing the guests Minister Jandroković expressed satisfaction with the past cooperation between Croatia and EESC, especially since March 2007 when EU-Croatia Joint Advisory Committee was established. Minister Jandroković emphasized that EESC had always fully supported Croatia’s accession to the EU, and said this support was additionally confirmed by the fact that Croatia was the first non-member of the EU that was given the opportunity to organize her national evening on the EESC premises.