Minister Gordan Jandroković received Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Dr. Michael Spindelegger

Ministers Jandroković and Spindelegger agreed that frequent bilateral exchange of visits at the high level, ainterparliamentary, cultural, scientific, juridical collaboration as well as collaboration in the field of interior affiars, bear witness to the excellent relations between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Austria

Ministers Jandroković and Spindelegger agreed that frequent bilateral exchange of visits at the high level, ainterparliamentary, cultural, scientific, juridical collaboration as well as collaboration in the field of interior affiars, bear witness to the excellent relations between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Austria.

As regards the progress of the accession negotiations of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union, Minister Jandroković informed his Austrian collegue about the determination of the Croatian side to continue with as well as complete the necessary reforms so as to conclude negotiations by the end of 2009. He reiterated that Croatian accession negotiations had to be deblocked, the bilateral border issue separated from the negotiation process, and the said issue resolved before the International Court of Justice in the Hague. 

Minister Spindelegger said that Austria fully supported the Republic of Croatia in its efforts to achieve full membership in the European Union as soon as possible, and added that the Republic of Croatia was viewed as the country which will encourage efforts of other countries in the region towards Euro-Atlantic integration. Minister Jandroković thanked Minister Spindelegger for the understanding he expressed as to the Croatian views on the principles that Croatia observed in the framework of its accession negotiations, as well as for the continuous support of the Austrian side for Croatia on its path towards full membership in the European Union.

The Ministers also discussed the Austrian-Romanian joint initiative to create a comprehensive European strategy for the Danube River Basin, which was proposed to the European Commission and supported by the Republic of Croatia. The aim of the said strategy would be to define an ecological, transport and socioeconomical policy for the management of the Danube River Basin.

While discussing economic exchange, it was noted that the Republic of Austria was the leading foreing investor into the Republic of Croatia, participating in the overall foreign investments with about 30 per cent, especially in the field of export-oriented industry, Greenfield investments, tourism, real-estate market, environmental protection and renewable energy. Interest for further collaboration was expressed, especially in the field of exchange of experience in relation to small and medium businesses. Economic collaboration was assessed as positive in general as well as in view of continous increase in trade exchange in the last years.

In the afternoon hours, Ministers will inaugurate an exhibition at the Modern Gallery in Zagreb, entitled Ars Croatia and presenting about a hundred paintings and scultptures by 23 most renowned Croatian artists, from the greatest collection of Croatian modern art abroad, owned by Austrian collectionist Dr. Alfred Brogyány.

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