Minister Jandroković expressed satisfaction over today’s statement by the European Commission, proposing to the Council of the European Union that Croatia’s accession negotiations be closed and suggesting 1 July 2013
Minister Jandroković expressed satisfaction over today’s statement by the European Commission, proposing to the Council of the European Union that Croatia’s accession negotiations be closed and suggesting 1 July 2013 as the indicative date of Croatia’s accession to the EU as its 28th member. He expressed belief that the EU Council would confirm that the negotiations with Croatia were over, which would enable the signing of the Accession Treaty during the Polish EU presidency.
The meeting’s participants welcomed the statement by the European Commission and pointed out the importance of Croatia’s Euro-integration success as proof that the European perspective was attainable for all the countries willing to conduct the necessary reforms. Minister Jandroković reiterated Croatia’s intent to remain the advocate of such a future for all the countries in the region.
Recalling the cooperation within the CEI so far, he said it served as a successful example of regionally-oriented cooperation. He pointed out that regional cooperation was an important part of the European integration project and that Croatia’s readiness to give its contribution had surely contributed to the successful conclusion of the negotiations with the EU.
In lights of Croatia’s active role in the region, as part of its European orientation, Minister Jandroković expressed a wish for the best possible exploitation of the potential offered by the CEI. In that regard, he stressed the need for a closer cooperation between Central and South Eastern Europe, as well as finding a way for the EU to be more present in the realization of CEI programs and activities.
He also emphasized the need for a tighter cooperation between the CEI and other regional initiatives, especially in the broader context of the Union’s macro-regional policy. He pointed out that Croatia’s engagement within the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, as well as its support for the establishment of the Adriatic-Ionian macroregion, confirmed its orientation towards that end. He especially pointed out the significance of the CEI Cooperation Fund and its role in supporting joint projects.
The minister said that cooperation with the civil society deserved more attention as well, as closer cooperation between NGOs can augment the already solid interstate relations. In that regard, he said Croatia supported the idea of the CEI Network of Civil Society Organizations.
In the strengthening of all of the above, as well as other CEI activities, Minister Jandroković emphasized the role of the Executive Secretariat and thanked Secretary General Gerhard Pfanzelter for the active work so far.
Conclusively, the confirmed Croatia’s readiness to continue with and enhance the cooperation within the CEI, pointing out that Croatia, as a member of the Initiative since the very beginning, would remain an active and reliable partner in the implementation of joint projects.
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