On 1 July 2020, Croatia marks the 7th EU membership anniversary. During these seven years, Croatia has affirmed itself as a full-fledged member promoting European values: freedom, democracy, security, the rule of law, human rights, solidarity and cooperation.
July 1st also marks the end of Croatia’s EU presidency. Our first presidency was brought to a successful close, in spite of unprecedented conditions and circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Croatia’s presidency is historically unique as we had to swiftly adapt to the new situation. Croatia has successfully adjusted its presidency programme and made it easier to find responses and reach decisions aimed at alleviating the political, economic, social and health effects of the crisis. Apart from adapting to the pandemic, Croatia has also continued with the implementation of other long-term EU priorities: Brexit, the Multiannual Financial Framework and the present security challenges.
Despite the circumstances, Croatia has managed to achieve the most important goals of its presidency. The EU-Western Balkans Zagreb Summit and the decision to open accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia are all great political successes.
In the 7th year of its membership, Croatia has not only chaired the Council of the EU, but is also chairing the EU Strategy for the Danube Region until end-October. This project promotes topics that are of great importance to Croatia – equal development and cohesion policy as well as cooperation with the Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries, all with the aim of better positioning and prosperity for all the countries involved.
Croatia will continue to be even more vocal about the advantages that the membership brings to our citizens and will work on solidifying our position withing the EU, which we have successfully confirmed this year. For Croatia, joining the EU represented a return to the political family we have always belonged to, and we are still prepared to invest in it, fight for it and contribute to its wellbeing.
Furthermore, Croatia will continue to advocate the values that the European project was founded on, notably unity and solidarity, which in these challenging times are equally, if not more important than ever before.