Ministers reviewed the situation in the region and
the role of the CEI in the enlargement of the EU. Mr. Šimonović emphasised
that the participation of the Republic of Croatia in regional fora,
such as the CEI, is one of the mechanisms for the approach to the EU.
He also added that Croatia expects that in the future, the CEI cooperation
programs will focus on the exchange of experience in the process of
the adjustment to the EU standards and mutual support to membership
in the EU. Mr. Šimonović informed the participants of the Croatian application
for membership in the EU, and the CEI states expressed their support
in the final document.