Dear Mr. Hopkinson,
Excellencies,
Esteemed guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure for me to be here today and to
speak at the opening of this Conference.
At the outset I would like to thank Mr. Hopkinson, Director of Wilton Park,
the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the European
Commission for organizing this Conference with us.
The fact that this prestigious event is being held in Zagreb is
a great honour.
It provides us with a timely opportunity to look back on Croatia’s
achievements so far, to the challenges ahead, as
well as to the EU prospects of the countries in South East Europe.
Over the last 60 years Wilton Park Conferences have brought
together decision makers from all over the world.
The nature of this forum which is almost invariably off the record, creates
the setting for a frank and truly open debate.
Decisively influencing discussions on the most pressing issues
of world politics, Wilton Park has inter alia contributed
immensely to the process of EU Enlargement.
It is my sincere hope that this Conference will continue to do so thus
putting additional wind in the sails of EU enlargement policy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Croatia’s accession negotiations were
opened in October 2005, in the wake of the referenda on the Constitutional
Treaty in France and the Netherlands.
At that time it was still uncertain which way the EU would take and
how the process of the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty
would end.
These events created an atmosphere of uncertainty within the EU.
It gave rise to questions on the future of any new enlargement,
and even more so – its ultimate frontiers. The described atmosphere affected
our accession negotiations.
As opposed to the time of the previous round of enlargement which
was perceived as a historical project of utmost political
priority – Croatia’s accession negotiations were opened when the
priorities of the EU shifted to its internal issues.
Under these circumstances Croatia sometimes had
to be more assertive in its aspirations and had to draw
additional attention of our European partners to enlargement issues and
the dynamics of our negotiations.
The political circumstances described, as well as the enlargement experience
of the EU, led to a more complex accession process, in both political
and technical terms, for Croatia but also for all of those coming afterwards.
However, in close cooperation with the EU we managed to adjust, face the
challenges and today we stand at the doorstep of the EU.
Last month we have marked the fourth anniversary of the official
opening of Croatia’s accession negotiations.
What might have been only a symbolical occasion was given an additional significance
by a major breakthrough that manifested itself on two fronts.
Firstly, on the eve of the anniversary and after considerable delay,
the October Inter Governmental Conference turned out to be the most
substantial so far when it comes to the number of chapters administered.
Our hard work and accomplishments finally bore fruit after the Prime Ministers
of Croatia and Slovenia reached a bilateral understanding based on a renewed dialogue
in the spirit of good neighbourly relations and mutual respect.
I would like to take this opportunity to once more express our
gratitude for the support of the French, Czech and Swedish EU Presidencies,
as well as for the efforts of Commissioner Rehn and the United States of
America in this demanding process.
There is still important work in front of us, the first step being
the ratification of the Arbitration Agreement recently signed in Stockholm.
However, I can say that we have every reason to be optimistic.
These developments came along with the most positive Progress Report for
Croatia so far. We are more than satisfied that the Commission has
clearly recognized all our achievements.
We specially welcome Commission’s opinion that Croatian accession
negotiations can be finished in the course of 2010.
We have every confidence that this momentum will even enhance its
dynamics, and that we will bring our joint work to
a successful conclusion by mid 2010.
We have the political will and determination to finish the work
we have started. Together with a wide public support this will carry us
across the finishing line.
We are aware that the EU Member States expect a candidate to fulfil
all the membership criteria prior to accession.
Let me assure you that we are ready and resolved to carry out all
the necessary reforms for our own sake, not just
for the sake of the EU.
By undergoing the most rigorous accession process so far and by demonstrating
the highest level of preparedness we want to send a clear and strong message
to the EU and its citizens.
The message that we have met all membership criteria. That
our accession to the EU is deserved due to substantial
efforts invested in transforming our state and society.
That we share the values and principles of
the EU.
That Croatia is an anchor of stability
in Southeast Europe actively contributing to security and prosperity
in this region.
And that by the time of accession we will be fully
prepared to share the responsibility with our partners in the
EU – as we already do in NATO.
For all these reasons I believe that Croatia’s success
should be in EU’s interest, as much as it is in ours.
Nevertheless, we are well aware of the challenges that still lie ahead.
This predominantly relates to key areas such as reform of the judiciary,
fight against corruption and organised crime, further overall economic
reforms, building the administrative capacity for the future membership
and full cooperation with the ICTY.
Regarding our full cooperation with the ICTY I strongly believe that soon
it will also be confirmed by the Office of the Chief Prosecutor.
We are certain that with the support and assistance of the EU Member States
and institutions, which we will continue to count on, Croatia will be able
to confront every challenge, pass every obstacle and finally arrive to where
it belongs – the European family.
The Lisbon Treaty opens a new historical chapter for the EU. The final
signature by the Czech President allows this pivotal document to finally
come into effect.
We expect it to ultimately result in a more efficient, transparent,
secure, united and in every aspect more accountable EU.
In our view the Lisbon Agreement is also an important investment
in continued policy of EU enlargement and as such makes new room for unimpeded
accession of Croatia.
We are looking forward to the time when Croatia will be formally
assigned to assume its role and responsibility under this Treaty.
Ladies and Gentleman,
Dear participants,
Last week we have celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fall of
the Iron Curtain symbolized by the fall of the Berlin Wall.
This historic event was not only a step out of the Cold War.
It was also a step into a new Europe – a Europe without division
between East and West, a Europe relieved of communist burden, a Europe free
and at peace.
20 years after these historic developments the time has come to
lift the curtain up for South East Europe.
We have to be aware that the great European project can not be considered
as complete until all the countries of this region have been integrated
into the European mainstream.
This is the only way to achieve lasting stability, security and
prosperity in our region.
And it is the only way to overcome the last remaining dividing
line in Europe.
As a country which has come the furthest on the path to membership in the
EU, Croatia will continue to actively support the European aspirations
of the countries of South East Europe.
Naturally, the speed of integration should be based on individual merits
and individual progress in the fulfilment of all political, economic and acquis-related
requirements.
In this sense, we will continue to share our experience with all
those who will negotiate after us.
At the same time we will enhance the cooperation with our neighbours
in every respective field.
This includes open border issues which in Croatia's view should
be dealt with in the spirit of partnership and good-neighbourly
relations and based on international law.
In this regard we have recently submitted diplomatic notes to Serbia
and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to give a new impulse to
the settlement of border issues.
With Montenegro we are in an advanced stage of drafting such an agreement,
which will soon be submitted to the International Court of Justice.
Croatia firmly believes that the enlargement process as such should
not be influenced by any bilateral issue.
As a co-signatory of the Dayton Agreement, Croatia carefully observes the
situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the discussion
on constitutional reforms
Strengthening the stability in Bosnia and Herzegowina is of vital importance
for the stability of the entire region. We support the reforms aimed
at establishing a more functional state with a clear European perspective.
The key to its stability and functionality lies in the equal position of
all three constitutive peoples at all levels of government and, especially,
in thedecision making process.
Although, at this moment, the talks in Butmir have not ended with
an agreement of the political representatives, the process of negotiations
on constitutional amendments must be continued.
Our relations with Serbia, which many consider as being
of crucial importance for South East Europe, have been affected by
Croatia’s recognition of Kosovo’s independence.
However, I am glad to say that our trade and economic relations
continue to develop. Furthermore, in the past year we have especially
intensified our judiciary and police cooperation.
We truly believe that once the situation over Kosovo’s independence
has been stabilized, our relations with Serbia will reach new
levels.
After recognizing Kosovo, Croatia has been very active in offering assistance
to Kosovo experts in a number of fields, ranging from judiciary, services
to capacity building and transfer of know-how in the process of EU accession.
In addition to the aforementioned, Croatia will continue to provide
strong support to all regional initiatives. Particularly to the Regional
Co-operation Council and its efforts aimed at implementing regional infrastructure
projects in transport, energy and water management.
We believe that this will contribute to sustainable national economies
and increase their ability to cope more efficiently with the consequences
of the current economic crisis.
And equally important, it will facilitate the integration of the
whole region into European networks and markets.
The benefits stemming from regional market integration are well known.
There is no alternative to free trade and open market.
Protectionism is simply not the answer.
We have to be wise enough and seize the opportunity of open markets thus
stimulating business and trade, economic growth and employment.
Therefore, Croatia is and will remain a strong proponent of the
CEFTA Agreement.
Ladies and gentlemen,
EU enlargement process has given – and continues to give – confidence,
and strong incentive to reform and cooperate, spreading
peace, stability and prosperity across our continent.
It is a demanding process and for Croatia it became even
more so in the light of the financial and economic crisis we share
with the EU and the rest of the world.
But, as Sir Winston Churchill said a long time ago “A pessimist
sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity
in every difficulty.”
We are optimists!
We hope that the EU can share our enthusiasm and expectations.
Our success is your success and vice versa!
Thank you for your attention!
