Minister Gordan Jandroković delivered lecture in Copenhagen organized by Danish European Movement on “Croatia’s EU Membership and Role in South Eastern Europe”

Minister Jandroković stressed the importance of the activities of the Danish European Movement, with which Croatia shares the same values of peace, stability and prosperity of the European continent

Minister Jandroković stressed the importance of the activities of the Danish European Movement, with which Croatia shares the same values of peace, stability and prosperity of the European continent.

He portrayed Croatia’s position on the international scene from the perspective of the road it had traversed in the past 20 years, as well as its current status as a democratic country with a sustainable market economy.

As a full-fledged NATO member, Croatia is actively contributing to its activities and has supported the recent adoption of the new Strategic Concept, said the minister, adding that Croatia was participating in 14 peacekeeping missions led by the UN, EU and NATO, with a special emphasis on its engagement in ISAF.

Achievements in the EU accession are reflected in the last European Commission’s Progress Report. Describing it as positive, the minister added it was realistic to expect the closing of the negotiations and signing the Accession Treaty the following year. In that regard, he emphasized the importance of the encouraging signals Croatia was receiving from its European partners, especially the announcement of Hungary’s priorities during its EU presidency in the context of closing Croatia’s negotiations in that period.

The fact that we have opened all of the negotiation chapters and temporarily closed 25 of them proves that out work is nearing its end. However, we are aware of the actions we still need to take in order to complete it, said the minister, pointing out the persistence in restructuring Croatia’s shipbuilding industry and reforming the justice system. He also emphasized that fighting corruption remained one of the Government’s priorities, as was full cooperation with the ICTY. It is in Croatia’s interest to create a more stimulating business environment as well, which includes the necessary structural reforms and strengthening Croatia’s overall competence.

Talking about Croatia’s role in South Eastern Europe, Minister Jandroković pointed out the promotion of economic cooperation within CEFTA, setting up the Regional Cooperation Council, making the acquis available to the neighbouring countries, numerous bilateral agreements in defence, police and judicial cooperation. In undertaking these efforts, Croatia is contributing to increasing the credibility of the entire region, he concluded.

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