Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović on visit to Brussels, 5 October 2006

Minister Grabar-Kitarović pointed out that Croatia is determined to fulfil the assumed obligations and criteria in order to become the 28th EU member by the end of the decade, adding that this is a compatible and concurrent process of reorganise the EU institutional framework, which should, in accordance with the European Council’s conclusions from June, should be finished by end-2008. She commended the support the European Parliament is offering Croatia on its way to the EU, informing the members about the course of Croatia’s negotiations process with the EU and expressing satisfaction with the quality, dynamics, and the successful completion of 33 explanatory and 32 bilateral screenings. She expressed hope that the negotiations process will speed up significantly upon the completion of the screening and announced that Croatia expects a series of chapters to be opened during Finland’s presidency and equal dynamics in the first half of 2007, during the Germany presidency.

Answering the members’ questions, Minister Grabar-Kitarović reviewed the continuation of the reforms and meeting of the political criteria. She pointed out in particular that the refugee return process is expected to be completed soon. Within the context of justice, she noted the concrete measures Croatia is undertaking, pointing out the marked decline in the number of lagging court cases. Minister Grabar-Kitarović also reported on the program and measures in fighting corruption. She stressed that co-operation with the ICTY is still unquestionable. As for regional co-operation, Minister Grabar-Kitarović said that Croatia is determined to solve bilateral issues with the neighbouring countries based on the principles of neighbourly relations, the UN Charter, and international law. Croatia is aware of its responsibility as to the future of the South Eastern Europe, said the minister, noting Croatia’s recent assuming of the SEECP presidency. She also familiarised the members with the condition of Croatia’s EU negotiations, the preparation of the 2007 National Program for Croatia’s EU Accession, and the ambition to strengthen communication with the Croatian citizens on the EU accession process.

At the end of her presentation, Minister Grabar-Kitarović said that Croatia is putting forth maximum effort and expects the EU to do the same, stating she expects the EU enlargement process to continue.

Before testifying, Minister Grabar-Kitarović met with Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Elmar Brok and Rapporteur for Croatia Hannes Swoboda. Swoboda said he will present the Report on Croatia before the European Parliament in January 2007. Pointing out Croatia’s importance and a stability factor in the region, he reviewed the open bilateral issues between Croatia and Slovenia, stressing that the two countries need to find a solution bilaterally, or else through an international legal body. He pointed out that such open issues do not represent an obstacle to Croatia’s EU accession, since there are more pressing bilateral issues within the EU itself, such as the Gibraltar and Northern Ireland.