Minister Grabar-Kitarović at Crans Montana Forum in Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

In her speech on Sunday, 19 February 2006, Minister Grabar-Kitarović pointed out that by opening the membership negotiations, Croatia has taken a considerable step forward, ensuring the continuation of its European course. In spite of that, she added, Croatia is aware of its role and responsibility as regards the security and stability, and is ready to actively strengthen the co-operation in the South East Europe.

Continuing her speech, Minister Grabar-Kitarović sent two key messages – one to the EU and the international community, the other to the countries in the region. To the EU she communicated that its current policy towards the countries in the region – offering a clear European perspective based on individual approach – is the best way to stimulate those countries to continue with the European ascension and should be continued, as well as the enlargement process itself. To the SEE countries she imparted that the basic motivation for the reform processes necessary for approaching the EU should be the wellbeing of their own citizens. Meeting the membership criteria should not be viewed as an obligation imposed upon from the outside, but as a personal choice, a catalyst of the internal stabilisation of democratic institutions and development of market economy, as well as the building of an efficient legal and administrative system.

The Forum gathered distinguished experts and politicians from Europe and the region, including Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Đukanović, Macedonian Prime Minister Vlado Bučkovski, Chairman of the BH Ministerial Council Adnan Terzić, Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister Pal Csaky, former Slovenian president Milan Kučan, European Parliament’s Rapporteur for Croatia Johannes Swoboda, former Council of Europe’s Secretary General Walter Schwimmer, et. al.