Ministerial meeting of Visegrad Group and friends

State Secretary Andreja Metelko Zgombić in Budapest attended a ministerial meeting of the Visegrad Group (Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic) in an extended format...

State Secretary Andreja Metelko Zgombić in Budapest attended a ministerial meeting of the Visegrad Group (Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic) in an extended format with friends Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Slovenia and Serbia. The meeting was hosted by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.

The participants exchanged views on the current topics of joint interest such as energy and the enlargement and future of the EU, underscoring the importance of maintaining, strengthening and expanding the Schengen Zone.

Metelko Zgombić outlined the Croatian government’s priorities in said areas, adding that as regards energy Croatia would continue to contribute to the EU’s diversification efforts by implementing its own projects that ensure wide use and raise energetic security of the entire EU. This is particularly true of the Krk LNG terminal, which is the government’s strategic project and is already in the initial stage of operationalization.

As for enlargement, Croatia will continue to advocate that the enlargement policy and challenges in Southeast Europe remain in the EU’s focus. It is necessary to point out consistency in regard to membership criteria, reforms, measurable results and progress in accordance with individual achievements.

In terms of the EU’s future, Croatia remains firmly committed to the idea of European integration and confirms its commitment to deeper integration by entering the Schengen Zone and introducing the Euro, as well as the ongoing accession to PESCO. Croatia is preparing to take over Council of the EU presidency in the first half of 2020, which will be a strong and visible proof of Croatia’s contribution to the further development of the EU.

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