Paul Hatry, former minister of finance, parliament member and Special Councillor to the Belgian minister of finance, is one of the most active and distinguished Belgian politicians and a financial expert. He has for more that 15 years been advocating Croatia’s interests in the Brussels circles, has appeared at all of the most important meetings as a rapporteur and debater, always finding convincing political and expert arguments to support Croatia’s joining the EU. The ceremony especially pointed out his role in the recognition of Croatia’s independence, as well as his support to Croatia’s opening of the EU membership negotiations.