State Secretary Davor Božinović participated in international conference “Vision of a European Serbia”

In his speech, State Secretary Božinović pointed out the importance of the Euro-Atlantic integration as a proven path towards building a sustainable security, stability and prosperity in the region, as well as the means for achieving the still unfinished idea of a free and united Europe. He said that by Croatia’s NATO membership the region has gained its true advocator, and can expect the same engagement once Croatia becomes a full-fledged EU member.

State Secretary Božinović said that NATO and EU enlargement is in Croatia’s national interest, considering Croatia’s desire to be surrounded by compatible countries in the political, economic and security sense. That interest is at the same time a call for cooperation and overcoming of outstanding issues.

In regard to the EU accession, State Secretary Božinović touched upon the specificity of Croatia’s negotiating process. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a clear membership perspective for the realization of a prosperous future, as well as because it represents an important stimulus and guideline for the demanding and all-encompassing reforms that are underway. He expressed his conviction that all of the region’s countries will become EU members, each in accordance with its own individual dynamics and achievements.

State Secretary Božinović also touched upon the experiences with the campaign of informing the Croatian citizens about NATO, pointing out the political, security and economic advantages of its membership.

The conference also discussed bilateral disputes and their effect on the EU enlargement, with the majority opinion being that they should be kept at the bilateral level, given the European Union’s strategic interest of spreading to the counties of South Eastern Europe.