State Secretary for Europe Metelko-Zgombić attends GAC

State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombić attended a meeting of European affairs ministers, discussing preparations for the special European Council meeting of 25 May 2021

State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombić attended a meeting of European affairs ministers, discussing preparations for the special European Council meeting of 25 May 2021, when EU leaders will exchange views on the EU response to COVID-19, climate change, as well as relations with Russia and the UK.

The Council discussed the state of play on the COVID-19 EU coordination with a focus on the vaccination campaign, the ongoing work on digital green certificates, and the epidemiological situation and travel restrictions. Metelko-Zgombić underscored that Croatia had joined the international efforts to curb the pandemic, ensuring financial assistance through the COVAX mechanism. “We are pleased that we are in a position now to help countries in our immediate neighbourhood,” she said, citing Croatia’s bilateral vaccine donations to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Montenegro. 

The state secretary welcomed the debate on amending the travel restriction recommendation, given the more favourable epidemiological situation in the EU, stressing the importance of allowing travel from third countries while maintaining the necessary balance between gradual re-opening of borders and citizens’ health. She underlined the importance of introducing digital green certificates before the summer season, adding that Croatia was working on a technical solution that would soon be operational, as a part of its “Stay Safe in Croatia” campaign. Concerning third country vaccination certificates, the state secretary said member states should be allowed to recognize them in line with their own national regulations.

In the context of the upcoming EU leaders’ debate on the Fit for 55 package, Metelko-Zgombić said that determining national emission reduction goals should be based on GDP per capita and that member states should stay responsible for national-level activities.

The ministers welcomed the launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe, reflecting on future activities within the Conference that will allow citizens to discuss topics of interest and the joint future of the Union.

The ministers also took stock of the Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process and EU-Switzerland relations. Metelko-Zgombić emphasized the importance of the European perspective for the Western Balkan countries, highlighting Croatia’s support for the Portuguese presidency’s efforts to ensure a credible enlargement based on comprehensive reforms, respect for human rights and the rule of law, while addressing the legacy of war.

 

Press releases