Introductory remarks by H. E. Gordan Jandroković, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia at the Croatia Summit 2010

Introductory remarks by H. E. Gordan Jandroković, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia
at the Croatia Summit 2010

Panel: Future Vision for South East Europe

Dubrovnik, July 10, 2010

Your Excellencies,
Dear colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me once more, welcome you all here in Dubrovnik and let me open the discussion on this panel in a somewhat unconventional way.

I would like you to follow me briefly into the future how we would like to see it.

In that future, the European continent’s peace and stability is further strengthened.

All the countries of South East Europe have taken over the responsibility of full membership in the European Union, at the same time being actively engaged within NATO.

It is a prosperous, economically and politically stable region.

Serving as an example of regional cooperation and mutual understanding, the region has successfully resolved all open issues.

As part of the Euroatlantic community, all countries of South East Europe apply their experiences in their active engagement on the broader international scene.

All in all, this is the picture of the region we are striving to paint.

And the steps we have been undertaking fill me with confidence that it is possible, that we are on the right path.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ten years ago the region was offered a future in the European family, which triggered off a process of deep and continuous transformation of the states and societies in this part of Europe.

This one decade long process has brought us to this moment in time in which the future we envisaged is gradually assuming its contours.

Major developments and events have clearly shown that the efforts invested bear fruit.

As for Croatia, we want to make the year 2010 even more successful than it has been so far.

What we imply under success is to finalize our accession negotiations and in the first part of 2011 put our signature on the Accession Treaty.

I would like to emphasize that Croatia’s success continues to be a strong incentive for all the countries of South East Europe.

With that in mind, we will continue to share our knowledge and experience with all the countries in our region, and support their European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations – in every possible way.

Since the last time we have met here in Dubrovnik, all countries in our region have taken important steps on their integration paths.

At the same time, the events of 2010 brought along a new dynamics in regional cooperation.

Following the good practices established in previous years, be it through the Regional Cooperation Council or the newly established Brdo process, this new dynamics highlights the need, as well as the wish, to further define and extensively build upon what the countries of South East Europe have in common.

All these are elements which will help us attain the vision of the future I have painted for you just a few moments ago.

Let me close by saying that the huge potentials and benefits of integration processes in an ever more interactive and globalized world should never be lost out of sight, no matter at which point in the process one stands.

Closing remarks:

Let me at the end of this panel thank all the participants for their valuable remarks and allow me to briefly summarize what we have discussed today.

South East Europe is continuing to invest huge efforts in terms of strengthening security, stability, prosperity, cooperation and good neighbourly relations on the way to European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Integration remains the primary political goal of all the countries in our region.

This has been once again confirmed at the Sarajevo Conference last month.

And I am glad that the presentations we have heard today clearly show that all SEE countries have the will to further build on their achievements so far, aiming to turn our common vision into reality.

However, the integration process has to be perceived as a two-way road.

Clearly, the aspirant countries have to fulfil all the pre-set criteria.

On the other hand, the goal of membership in both EU and NATO needs to remain attainable.

Croatia strongly believes that a clear membership perspective, as well as honouring the achievements, still acts as the best catalyst and the best impetus to address the remaining challenges in the region.

As far as those challenges are concerned, it is my firm belief that they are often just unrecognized opportunities.

So let us use them well to finish the picture of the prosperous future we are striving to paint!

Thank you!