FM attends conference on the Western Balkans’ European perspective

Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman 24 February 2020 in Thessaloniki attended a conference on the European perspective of the Western Balkans “From Thessaloniki to Zagreb”

Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman 24 February 2020 in Thessaloniki attended a conference on the European perspective of the Western Balkans “From Thessaloniki to Zagreb”.

Addressing the event, Grlić Radman said it was fitting that Europe’s future was being discussed in Thessaloniki, where 17 years ago the European Council had laid the foundation for the enlargement policy and Southeast Europe’s EU journey. He thanked the host, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, for Greece’s lasting and strong support to the EU enlargement as well as for assisting Croatia along its European path (Croatia applied for EU membership in 2003, during the Greek presidency).

Grlić Radman underscored the importance of Zagreb and Thessaloniki summits in 2000 and 2003 respectively, expressing belief that the Zagreb summit in May would serve as a pivotal point for positive trends and decisions in the enlargement policy, and that the EU would confirm its support for the countries of the Western Balkans. “A successful Zagreb summit as well as the decision to launch accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania are the key goals of the Croatian presidency,” the minister underlined.

In addition, Grlić Radman described the new methodology proposed by the European Commission as a positive step, stressing that Croatia would continue to advocate a credible and efficient enlargement policy based on individual merit and fulfilment of all criteria.

 

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