- Published: 13.12.2022.
State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić attends GAC
The Council approved conclusions on enlargement and the EU-Western Balkans stabilisation and association process pertaining to Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, as well as referring for the first time to Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. Metelko-Zgombić underscored Croatia’s full support for the EU enlargement process based on fulfilment of the membership criteria, including alignment with the common foreign and security policy and sanctions against Russia, as well as on individual achievements. She expressed support for granting Bosnia and Herzegovina the candidate status, as well as for the liberalization of visa regime with Kosovo.
Ministers discussed the draft conclusions of the European Council meeting on 15 December that will address Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support to Ukraine, as well as energy and economy. Metelko-Zgombić highlighted Croatia’s comprehensive support to Ukraine as well as the importance of the EU’s continued assistance and support in cooperation with international partners, both short-term and post-war. She recalled that at today’s donor conference in Paris, Croatia had donated generators worth million euros.
Concerning energy, the state secretary underlined the importance of solidarity and agreement on gas price cap, as well as the need to agree on a comprehensive package of measures, including energy market reform and separating gas and electricity prices.
As part of the annual rule of law dialogue, ministers held a country-specific discussion, focusing on key developments in Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden. Metelko-Zgombić welcomed the continued dialogue in a format that allowed for an open and constructive exchange of views.
The Council agreed its mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the proposal for a regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising. The proposal will help combat disinformation, information manipulation and interference in elections, and safeguard an open democratic debate in the EU member states.
The Council approved the joint declaration on the EU legislative priorities for 2023-2024.
The Czech presidency and the incoming Swedish presidency presented the roadmap for the 2023 European Semester.
Ministers exchanged views on the follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe feedback event, which took place on 2 December 2022. Metelko-Zgombić underscored satisfaction with the event that focused on the citizens, recalling that according to an analysis, nearly 95% of the proposals could be implemented short- or mid-term using the full potential of the current Treaties.