State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić attends GAC

The Council began preparations for the European Council meeting scheduled for December 19-20 by exchanging views on the draft agenda. Proposed topics for the December summit include Ukraine, the Middle East, the EU's role in the world, resilience and crisis preparedness, and migration. Under "Any Other Business," the adoption of conclusions on enlargement, expected to be finalized by the Council on December 17, was suggested, along with potential discussions on other foreign policy matters.
 
State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombić deemed the proposed topics appropriate, especially considering the new geopolitical landscape. She emphasized the importance of the EU's continued strong support for Ukraine, particularly financial and military aid, and highlighted the need for leaders to address the Middle East situation. Regarding the EU's role in the world, she found the discussion timely and advocated for a proactive EU approach to matters of importance in relations with the United States and its new administration. For Croatia, maintaining the EU's focus on the Western Balkans is especially significant, emphasizing the region's security and the accession path of its countries based on individual merits and the fulfilment of criteria.
 
In the context of enhancing EU resilience, Croatia welcomed the recent publication of a report on strengthening the EU's civil and military preparedness, prepared by Sauli Niinistö, Special Adviser to the European Commission President and former Finnish President. The report, which will be further discussed across various Council formations, is expected to inform the Commission's proposals and initiatives aimed at better preparing the EU for future shocks and crises, including a forthcoming EU Preparedness Strategy. On migration, the State Secretary supported the review of progress related to the leaders' October conclusions, particularly on illegal migration and the implementation of EU action plans, including those for the Western Balkans.
 
Regarding enlargement, Croatia welcomed the enlargement package published by the European Commission in October and encouraged the countries included to pursue further reforms on their European paths.
 
The Council held the tenth round of discussions on individual countries as part of the Annual Rule of Law Dialogue within the EU. The European Commission presented findings from its 2023 Annual Report on Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland. During the ensuing exchange of views, Member States had the opportunity to share experiences and best practices related to the areas covered in the report.
 
In the context of the procedure initiated against Hungary in 2018 under Article 7(1) of the EU Treaty, the Commission presented the current status, while Hungary outlined its activities in the relevant areas.
 
Member States also informally reflected on the role of cohesion policy in enhancing EU competitiveness. Metelko-Zgombić emphasized the strong connection between competitiveness and cohesion. As the EU's primary investment policy, rooted in its founding treaties, cohesion policy has contributed to convergence by reducing disparities among EU countries and regions, thereby strengthening the EU's overall economic power. She stressed the need for complementarity and synergy between future investments in European competitiveness and cohesion. Croatia advocates for a robust cohesion policy that, based on the principles of subsidiarity, partnership, and shared management, should continue to achieve its treaty-based objectives while contributing significantly to demographic revitalization.

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