Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honor and a pleasure to be here today in this distinguished institute
whose long and impressive tradition has given a new dimension to discussing
various topics of international relevance.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Chatham House on its
90th anniversary and to wish you many more successful years to come.
I am aware of a wide array of issues which dominate today’s debates and policies
on the international stage.
On a broader scale – the focus of attention lies on how to overcome the current
global economic crisis, how to work towards a secure energy environment, and
how to deal with old and new security threats ranging from climate change to
terrorism.
The major changes and challenges that the new Millennium has brought have impacted
the way the countries set their priorities, and Croatia is no exception.
There is no doubt that, as a consequence, here in Europe we are witnessing
a shift of attention towards other countries, regions and continents due to
reasons ranging from security, economy or mere geopolitics.
In the case of Croatia, this new emerging reality has further strengthened
our commitment to be a reliable NATO ally, to achieve EU membership in the
nearest possible future, and to share our part of the responsibility in South
East Europe.
The shift of the international community’s focus away from this region can
be viewed as an acknowledgment of the progress achieved over the past years.
However, a lot of work remains to be done, which is why the region still needs
and deserves our attention.
Before explaining in detail this aspect of Croatia’s foreign policy, I would
like to draw a picture of where Croatia stands today on the broader international
scene.
I am curious to hear what your view is of the Croatia of today.
Therefore I will try to limit my speech to some 25 minutes and leave enough
time to take your questions.
While going through three transition processes in the past twenty years, Croatia
has indeed come a long way.
From a country within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Croatia
has become a free, independent, sovereign state.
It has released itself from the communist legacy by building a pluralistic,
democratic state and society and by establishing a free market economy.
Unlike the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Croatia was simultaneously
faced with a war inflicted on its own territory, which made the third transition
– building peace and prosperity – the most demanding of all.
Our ability to overcome all these difficulties strengthened the foundations
of our democracy, as well as our European aspirations and Trans-Atlantic commitment.
Strict adherence to fundamental democratic values has put Croatia on the track
of development, reconciliation and progress.
A clear proof that Croatia has undergone an incredible transformation in the
last two decades is its accession to NATO on 1st April 2009.
In NATO Croatia recognises a proven, uniquely efficient and credible collective
defence system, an alliance that links strategic partners from Europe and North
America, who are able to operate jointly in highly demanding and ever changing
security environments.
We are now an integral part of NATO’s transformation and the renewed transatlantic
solidarity, thus assuming our part of the political responsibility of membership
in promoting and protecting a system of shared values.
We have actively supported the efforts of adopting a New Strategic Concept of
NATO by making valuable contributions to the discussion on how to improve the
Alliance's ability to face the global challenges of the 21st century.
Even before its membership in NATO, Croatia had been assuming an increasingly
active role in peace-keeping efforts.
And this is all the more significant since in a very short period of time Croatia
ceased to be “an issue” and became a contributor to the international peace
and security.
Over the past 11 years and on four continents, our soldiers and civilians have
served the purpose of peace.
Croatia is currently contributing to a total of 14 peacekeeping missions of
the UN, NATO and the EU, with the NATO led ISAF operation in Afghanistan being
at the core of our international peacekeeping engagement.
In the course of next year we will deploy 30 more troops in ISAF and assume
command over the Military Police School in Mazar-e-Sharif.
Be it in Afghanistan or any other part of the world, Croatia advocates a comprehensive
approach, entailing a larger participation of civilians in peace efforts as
well as taking additional measures leading to a self-sustainable state and
society.
Speaking from Croatia’s own experience, this is possible only if the solutions
sought are mindful of the culture and traditions of the country in question.
I am proud of the work of the Croatian contingent in Afghanistan which is increasingly
engaged in training the Afghan troops so that they can take over the responsibility
for their own security as soon as possible.
The sensitivity to the local population, to their religion, customs and laws,
is crucial to garnering respect in any mission and it has most certainly contributed
to a very positive image of Croatian troops in Afghanistan and beyond.
We owe this to the fact that lessons learned from the period when Croatia itself
was host to peace-keeping missions, positive as well as negative, are today
built into our training programs.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we are proud of our achievements as a NATO Member State, we are also proud
of what we have accomplished with regard to our impending membership in the
European Union.
Here I intentionally use the wording “what we have accomplished” rather than
“where we stand today”.
Because meeting the membership criteria has not been the major difficulty in
the Croatian negotiating process, whereas overcoming the political hurdles
certainly was.
Croatia opened its accession negotiations five years ago during the UK presidency.
Even though the last month’s otherwise very positive Progress Report on Croatia
did not specify the expected date of accession, the scenario of concluding
the negotiations and signing the Accession Treaty in the course of next year
is more than realistic.
It is certainly one we intend to follow.
We are aware that this scenario, however realistic when it comes to Croatia’s
dedication, also very much depends on the support of our European partners.
Therefore, we highly value their encouraging signals, such as the incoming
Hungarian EU presidency making the conclusion of Croatia’s negotiations one
of its priorities.
In order to successfully cross the finishing line, such signals from our partners,
including the United Kingdom, are more than welcome.
As we appreciate the pre-accession assistance of the United Kingdom government
to Croatia, we would highly value its support in ensuring a smooth and unhindered
process of Croatia becoming an EU member state.
The fact that all the chapters in Croatia’s accession negotiations have been
opened and 25 of them provisionally closed prove that our work is almost done.
In order to complete it, we are not losing sight of what remains to be achieved,
mostly in Chapters 8 - Competition Policy and 23 - Judiciary and
Fundamental Rights.
Therefore, in the following period we will continue to put emphasis on areas
such as the restructuring of the shipbuilding sector and the reform of the
judiciary.
I would like to point out that, as a result of the lessons learned in the previous
enlargement round, Chapter 23 was introduced for the first time into the Croatian
negotiation process as a separate chapter.
It represents much more than the mere alignment with the acquis and
the implementation of legal acts.
Fulfilling the benchmarks in Chapter 23 inevitably leads to a change in the
mindset of the society as a whole.
Being aware of the importance of this Chapter for Croatia’s credibility as
a future EU Member State, we attach particular importance to meeting all the
requirements, however difficult they might be.
The reason why we are dedicated to this task is the awareness that it is first
and foremost to our own benefit to complete the reforms.
With that in mind, it is the resolute and effective fight against corruption
that continues to be the main priority of the Croatian Government.
We want to send a clear and explicit message – we will vigorously promote zero
tolerance towards corruption and nobody can be above the law.
Since the issues of full cooperation with the ICTY, refugee return and minority
protection are still being frequently raised in the context of Croatia, allow
me to get straight to the point.
Croatia fully cooperates with the ICTY.
And we are glad that this is reflected in the latest Report of Chief Prosecutor
Brammertz to the UN Security Council.
Our responsible approach leaves no doubt about our credibility and consistency
in future cooperation as well.
For Croatia, this cooperation ceased to be a matter of political will a long
time ago.
And we hope that this will become a reality for others in the region as well.
Another reality is that despite fiscal austerity and budgetary constraints,
Croatia has so far invested more than 5.3 billion EUR into refugee return,
and that only 5% of this amount has been borne by the international community.
We have enabled the return of a total of 347,000 refugees, out of which more
than a third of Serbian nationality.
During the recent visit of President Tadić it has been confirmed that all parties
involved are determined to finally transfer this issue from a political into
a technical sphere.
The reality is that Croatia is demonstrating its commitment not only to the
implementation of its national and international obligations, but also to setting
new standards.
And this applies not only to refugee return but also to the protection of minority
rights.
Because of that and because of our determination to complete all the necessary
reforms, it is unquestionable that Croatia will on merit sign the Accession
Treaty and become the 28th Member State of the European Union.
When I say on merit, I do not imply only all that we will achieve up to that
point, but also our readiness to assume full responsibility stemming from the
membership in the European family of states and nations.
That is why we are thinking ahead and undertaking the necessary preparations
for the post-accession period.
It is our aim to achieve full integration as soon as possible, be it in the
Schengen area or the monetary union.
And it is our aim not only to participate in all the policies of the EU, but
also to actively contribute to forming them.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are all very much aware that these are very interesting and very challenging
times we live in.
What we are witnessing is the new emerging reality of today’s globalized world.
As the EU is adapting accordingly, so is Croatia.
The recognition of what the 21st century has brought along has been embedded
into our foreign policy.
Looking beyond our shores for new partners and exploring the manifold opportunities
of our time is not simply an option.
I would rather say that there is no alternative.
We need to focus our diplomatic efforts on strengthening partnerships, both
on the political and economic levels, with all the relevant actors on the world
stage.
And that is why since my first day in office I have highlighted the need to
intensify relations with the existing partners, and forge closer ties with
new ones.
In the course of only this year I have visited the Middle East, China, Japan
and South Korea.
In the year to come I will spare no effort to improve Croatia’s ties with South
America, especially given the natural bond formed by a significant number of
Croats by descent living in a number of Latin American states.
In spreading the network of bonds with partners across the globe, the underlying
idea is not only to raise our international stature, but also to brand Croatia
as a desirable investment and tourist destination.
Since Croatia is often found at the very top of various lists of must-see countries,
it is fair to say that it already occupies a prominent place on the world tourist
map.
Besides to natural beauties, this we certainly owe to our rich cultural heritage
which interweaves the Mediterranean and Central European aspects of our identity.
In our projections it is our intention to also put Croatia in a prominent place
on the world investment map.
That is why we are dedicated to further fortify the very backbone of economic
development.
And by this I mean creating a better and more supportive business environment.
This entails not only putting additional emphasis on economic diplomacy but
also the continuation of necessary structural reforms, as well as undertaking
relevant programs aimed at further strengthening of Croatia’s overall competitiveness.
We will continue to strive to remove the barriers to foreign investment and
to make it as easy as possible for companies to do business in Croatia.
What makes a Government outstanding is its readiness to conduct painful, but
necessary measures in the pursuit of a broader vision of the future to the
benefit of its citizens.
It is clear that such a broader vision stands behind the recent decisions of
the UK Government, as it does behind ours.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Croatia’s support in shaping a better future for South East Europe has been
and will remain unequivocal.
This is not only a statement of principle.
We have invested true efforts into providing substantial assistance to our
neighbours.
As a NATO Member State and an EU member-to-be, the particularity of Croatia’s
position in South East Europe becomes even more evident.
Our achievements have to be viewed also through the lens of our responsibility
for the region.
And this responsibility is reflected in our role in advocating a clear membership
perspective for the countries of SEE, in promoting the spirit of cooperation
and mutual understanding, as well as the principles and values which the European
Union has been built upon.
This long-term commitment of ours has taken on many different shapes, delivering
tangible results.
They include fostering economic cooperation within CEFTA, establishing the
Regional Cooperation Council, putting the Croatian translation of the acquis
communautaire at the disposal of all our neighbours and signing a number
of bilateral agreements on defence, police and judiciary cooperation.
By initiating the Brdo process, Croatia and Slovenia have created an additional
framework in which to foster regional cooperation as well as to facilitate
the integration process of each respective country.
In doing so, we are inevitably increasing the credibility of the region as
a whole.
We do hope that this will also help create an environment conducive to resolving
the remaining open issues and challenges.
All this proves that the approach of Croatia towards its neighbours has been
consistent and straightforward.
What we wish to see is a domino effect of such an approach.
There are already clear signs of that, such as the recent visit and apology
of the Serbian President Boris Tadić in Vukovar, as well as his first state
visit to Croatia two weeks ago.
It is a proof that a different policy, a policy of peace, good-neighborliness
and friendship is possible.
It is a proof that the region can leave the old patterns behind.
And I can claim with confidence that we are moving towards closing the full
circle of reconciliation, thus embracing our common European future.
Progress has been made, but our job has not been finished yet.
There are certainly other positive trends we are eager to see in the region.
Following the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we hope that the new government
will create a political atmosphere conducive to constitutional changes.
Here I would like to reiterate that Croatia has and will continue to support
the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In achieving a viable state and society it is imperative to guarantee the equality
and equal representation of all three constitutive peoples.
Croatia is prepared to cooperate with the international community in ensuring
that Bosnia and Herzegovina gains new momentum necessary for undertaking reforms
and making much needed progress on its European path.
We also wish to see is that Belgrade and Priština as well as Skopje and Athens
engage in a constructive dialogue.
These are important prerequisites for the countries of the region to move forward
on the path of integration.
There is no doubt; the forces that are to move this process forward are first
and foremost the countries themselves.
However, in order to give this process a decisive push, the valuable support
of our European and other international partners remains to be indispensable.
This is the reason why I said at the beginning of my speech that the focus
on the region should not diminish.
I am saying this while being aware of the still present perception of South
East Europe as being insufficiently able to move forward on the integration
path and taking its rightful place in Europe.
This calls for renewed political attention on the region, which would ensure
that we can build on the joint efforts and achievements of the international
community and countries of the region.
By postponing the accession perspective into an indefinite future, we could
put at risk the significant progress achieved over the past years.
This is why we find it necessary to keep repeating that the open door policy
of both the EU and NATO has no alternative for the region, which we know that
the United Kingdom firmly supports.
We understand the value of such a support and share the conviction of the positive
impact of championing the enlargement in the region of South East Europe.
It is necessary to emphasize that various incentives, such as visa liberalization
with the EU, MAP granted to B-H, as well as the recent decision to refer Serbia’s
application for EU membership to the European Commission, are more than welcome.
Nevertheless, there is still a need for the region to be in stronger focus
of the international community.
That is precisely why we have to keep raising the awareness that South East
Europe deserves a more profound consideration, attention and interest of all
the relevant actors.
I would even say this is imperative if we want to ensure that the region opts
for the right choices in the times to come; that it endures the painful reforms
and finally leaves the waiting room it has found itself in.
Turning this scenario into reality requires cooperation from us all.
In this regard, Croatia can be of assistance for more than one reason.
It is a neighbouring country, it serves as an example, it has valuable expertise
on the region and it has a unique experience in the integration process of
both the EU and NATO.
Rest assured that we will spare no effort to support the countries of the region
towards the future of being partners in the European and Euro-Atlantic community
of nations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In my address today it was my intention to present to you Croatia from various
perspectives, in a way similar to building a mosaic.
I would like to express my hope that by putting the various pieces of this
mosaic together, the well-deserved final picture of the Croatia of today is
unveiling.
In the case that there might be some missing pieces, we can try to search for
them together.
Which is why I stand ready to hear your questions.
Thank you!