First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić 8 April attended the central commemoration of World Roma Day in the Mimara Museum.
President of the Roma National Council Veljko Kajtazi said that Croatia had gone a long way in recognising the Roma, admitting however that their personnel potential was limited.
“We are investing in our youth, as the future of the Roma community rests on young and educated people who will go on to become the 21st century community leaders,” Kajtazi said.
Pusić said that the Roma community had been recognised as an important element of Croatian society. Recalling that Croatia was soon to become a full-fledged member of the EU, she said that the experience of the Roma community could be useful as it had a long tradition of living in conditions that surpassed a national state.
She called for a discussion within European institutions on the position of the Roma in Europe, adding she would give her personal contribution to the topic on Roma women and education.
Also in attendance were President of the National Minorities Council of Aleksandar Tolnauer and Health Minister Rajko Ostojić. The annual award by the Roma National Council this year was given to Deputy Prime Minister for Home, Foreign and European Affairs Neven Mimica for his contribution to the development of Roma institutions in Croatia.