MFAEI held presentation of Europe: I Struggle, I Overcome by Wilfried Martens

In his speech to the invitees, which included Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Josip Friščić, Minister without Portfolio Bianca Matković, Culture Minister Božo Biškupić, Chairman of the Croatian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Mario Zubović, ambassadors accredited to Croatia, state secretaries et al, Minister Jandroković outlined in short the political background of EPP President Martens. Wilfried Martens has for more than 10 years held the position of Belgian prime minister. In 1990 he was elected the EPP President, a position he had held ever since. As a member of the party, he has continued his dedicated work on the project of a free and united Europe, and has always supported Croatia.

Of special importance was his support during the time when the EU was about the reach the decision on opening the accession negotiations with Croatia. Croatian President Stjepan Mesić awarded Wilfried Martens the Grand Order of Queen Jelena with Sash and Morning Star for his major contribution to Croatia along its path to the EU and the overall contribution to the European unification project. This high order of the Republic of Croatia Croatian was presented today to Wilfried Martens by Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor. Minister Jandroković also personally thanked Martens for the support he has been offering and continues to offer Croatia on its way to the EU membership.

Speaking about Europe: I Struggle, I Overcome as a book that gives a detailed overview of the events in post-war Europe and the world, Minister Jandroković said it also chronicles Wilfried Martens’ personal and political road, along which the Christian and democratic principles and values have remained its principal guideline and piling. He pointed out a chapter that is of importance to Croatia, as it documents the facts about Croatia’s dedication to the European principles it has committed itself to, and the friends who recognize and support that. One of the most prominent ones is Wilfried Martens himself.