The Council discussed the draft conclusions of the European Council meeting on 23-24 March 2023 that will address Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine as well as the EU’s competitiveness, single market, economy and energy in the context of green and digital transitions, and the new geopolitical challenges.
Croatia remains committed to continued support to Ukraine in all forms, State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombić underscored, welcoming the arrest warrants for Russian officials over the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. Croatia is committed to determining together with international partners the accountability for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and other international crimes, and is ready to help Ukraine with its experiences and knowledge gained through war and post-war reconstruction, including demining and veteran support.
The 30th anniversary of the EU single market should be used as an opportunity to deepen it further, while maintaining the level playing field and removing the remaining regulatory obstacles, especially for small and mid-sized companies, as a precondition for boosting Europe’s productivity and competitiveness, she stressed. Reflecting on the strategic documents and proposals published by the European Commission last week on the EU’s long-term competitiveness, critical raw materials and zero-emission industries as well as electricity market reform, the state secretary underlined the interconnectedness of these topics in the current geopolitical context. She confirmed Croatia’s interest in shaping future policies that would ensure the wellbeing of our citizens, reduce the EU’s strategic dependence and create industrial and technological basis for a successful green and digital transition.
The Council reviewed an updated roadmap for the 2023 European Semester as well as recommendations concerning the economic policies of the euro area, whose priorities are directed towards creating a stable and resilient economy.
The Council adopted two decisions related to the Windsor Framework. Croatia welcomed the agreement that allows for a flexible and pragmatic implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland as an important step in the strengthening of EU-UK relations.
As part of the annual rule of law dialogue, the Council held a country-specific discussion. The exchange of views focused on key developments in Slovakia, Finland, Belgium, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic based on the 2022 Rule of Law Report.
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