Minister Grabar-Kitarović participated in 17th meeting of National EU Accession Forum

In her speech, Minister Grabar-Kitarović said that the Croatian Government has recognised small and medium-sized enterprises as the driving force of the Croatian economy and is, through various programs and activities, trying to create as simulative environment as possible for its further development. Pointing out that Croatia, as a signatory to the European Charter for Small Enterprises, was singled out by the European Commission as the most successful country in the region when it comes to implementing the Charter’s principles, Minister Grabar-Kitarović said that the negotiations with the EU on Chapter 20, which concerns this area, are opened and, what with the high level of harmonisation, are expected to close soon.

Another confirmation of the positive results in developing entrepreneurial infrastructure and a successful implementation of the education policy in enterprises and handicrafts is the European Commission’s support for the opening of a regional enterprise education center in Croatia, said Minister Grabar-Kitarović.

The 17th meeting of the National EU Accession Forum also discussed the harmonisation with the technical regulations of the EU, small and medium-sized enterprise education, and financial support for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.

The National EU Accession Forum is an initiative of the MFAEI whose aim is to raise the Croatian public’s familiarity with Croatia’s EU accession process and spark a public debate on the subject in all parts of the Croatian society. Participating in its activities are representatives of the state administration, local government and self-government, academic community, non-governmental organisations, private sector, media, and all other interested groups.