- Published: 06.02.2023.
State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić attends GAC
The Council prepared for the special European Council on 9-10 February, which will address Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, EU economic agenda and migration. Other topics included the EU-UK relations and priorities of the Swedish Presidency.
Ministers discussed all aspects of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Metelko-Zgombić underscored the importance of strongly supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary, in line with the recommendations from the previous week’s EU-Ukraine summit, as well as the importance of efficient restrictive measures. She welcomed the setting up of an international centre for the prosecution of Russia’s war crimes in The Hague. As one of the crucial elements of Ukraine’s recovery, the state secretary highlighted demining and rehabilitation of war veterans.
Concerning economy, Metelko-Zgombić said Croatia welcomes discussions on the strengthening of competition and resilience of European economy, while maintaining the level playing field, both globally and within the EU. Croatia welcomes the simplification of rules and speeding up of state aid procedures, while at the same time protecting the single market. Similarly, we support increased flexibility within the existing funds, but not to the detriment of the cohesion policy goals. The state secretary stressed that strengthening the competitiveness required long-term investment in skills and human capital in order to respond, among other things, to demographic challenges.
As regards migration, Metelko-Zgombić underlined the need to implement the EU Action Plan for the Western Balkans, which includes signing new or revising status agreements with Frontex. She stressed that aligning visa policies of the Western Balkan countries with that of the EU was crucial in curbing disorderly migration.