Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Wednesday addressed via video link the meeting of ambassadors of the EU member states and the European Economic Area, as well as the head of the EC Representation in Zagreb, held under Germany’s Council of the EU presidency.
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Wednesday addressed via video link the meeting of ambassadors of the EU member states and the European Economic Area, as well as the head of the EC Representation in Zagreb, held under Germany’s Council of the EU presidency.
Grlić Radman commended German presidency’s adopting to the conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the efforts to harmonize positions on the Multiannual Financial Framework and the Next Generation EU instrument. Reflecting on the pandemic, the minister said that the discovery of vaccine gave rise to optimism, which is important for making sure it is available in time to Europe and the world.
Concerning transatlantic cooperation, Grlić Radman underlined its importance for promoting global security, stability and peace, adding that it should hinge on partnership, joint responsibility and solidarity. In addition, the minister called for the strengthening of the multilateral system, stressing that for decades the EU had been setting the standards in areas of the rule of law, human rights protection, sustainable development, environmental protection and promoting the rule-based international order.
Speaking about the EU neighbourhood, Grlić Radman reiterated Croatia’s support for enlargement and welcomed the adoption of negotiating frameworks for Albania and North Macedonia as well as continued negotiations Montenegro and Serbia, highlighting the importance of resolving issues such as the persecution of war crimes, cooperation in locating the missing persons and relations with national minorities. The minister also reflected on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, underscoring that Croatia’s priority is a stable, democratic and functional country, and that the equality among all three constituent peoples as well as the rights of all its citizens are equally important today as they were 25 years ago when the Dayton Agreement was signed.
Finally, Grlić Radman answered the ambassador’s questions about topical EU and global matters, and thanked them for their cooperation and engagement.
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