Minister Grabar-Kitarović held a lecture at the University of Columbia

Minister Grabar-Kitarović informed the present parties about the process of European integration in Croatia, from applying for membership and answering the European Commission’s questionnaire to receiving its positive opinion, as well as about Croatia’s current status as a candidate country.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović said she hopes the EU will recognize Croatia’s efforts in implementing the Action Plan in order to realise a full co-operation with the ICTY, and that the negotiations will start shortly.

As regards Croatia’s goal of becoming an EU member, Minister Grabar-Kitarović pointed out that none of the current EU members have lost their national identity, nor expressed a wish for leaving the integration. Croatia is motivated on its road to the EU by a wish to ensure its security, stability, social, democratic and economic prosperity, and to take part in the decision making within a united Europe.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović also spoke about Croatia’s joining the North Atlantic Alliance, stressing that Croatia is successfully conducting the preparations for its membership.