Perspectives For Southeast Europe Conference - Prospects of EU integration for the Western Balkans

Esteemed colleagues,

Following yesterday’s introduction, I am glad that this panel presents us with an opportunity to discuss EU integration prospects for South East Europe in greater detail.

In my remarks yesterday I have tried to outline the developments of the last decade through the prism of the Zagreb Summit held in 2000.

Especially so as the developments that marked this year, as we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of embarking upon this road, brought new wind in the sails of this historic project.

A project which would place this region back into the heart of Europe.

A project that is about much more than mere geography.

From this awareness derives the commitment of the countries of the region and their will to translate it into tangible accomplishments in the pursuit of EU membership.
We welcome that this has been recognized.

And we welcome that the dialogue on the future of South East Europe has been intensified, acquiring more concrete contours.

Our European and Trans-Atlantic partners are shifting their attention back towards South East Europe.

But what we are most glad about, is that this time it is to support the positive momentum at hand.

A straightforward signal that the efforts invested by the respective countries are being valued are the visa liberalization for Albania and B-H, or the recent decision to refer Serbia’s application for EU membership to the European Commission.

However, such positive signals can and should be additionally reinforced.

And precisely this stands behind the dialogue we are establishing.

By making the voices of individual countries heard, the EU would be able to define clear signs that are to guide countries of the region along their integration path.

What is crucial about this approach is that setting tailor-made medium and long term goals would make the prospect of EU integration attainable and more realistic.

It would also add to the EU’s coherence in dealing with the countries in the region.

And such a comprehensive effort is needed to ensure that the region opts for the right choices in the times to come; that it perseveres during the painful reforms and finally leaves the waiting room it has found itself in.

The recent Progress Reports show that we do have grounds for optimism.

As far as Croatia is concerned, what we draw from this most positive Progress Report so far is a clear recognition of our achievements.

And it makes us confident that it will also be the last one on our path towards membership in the European Union.

What concretely underlies this confidence of ours is not only the current state of play in our accession negotiations.

It is also the support of our European and Trans-Atlantic partners that we have relied on, and which, considering what is ahead of us, will be even more crucial in the times to come.

The smooth and unhindered process of signing and ratifying the Accession Treaty is what we now need to ensure.

Clearly, this is relevant in order to sustain the momentum of finalizing reforms, and to sustain the favourable climate in the Croatian society towards accession.

However, I have to draw your attention to an issue of a purely technical nature, namely to the necessity that Croatia joins the EU under the current financial framework, as all the preparations for the closure of the respective chapters have been prepared accordingly.

Therefore, we highly value the encouraging signals of our partners, such as the incoming Hungarian EU presidency putting the conclusion of Croatia’s negotiations among its priorities.

And Croatia attaining EU membership also has significant implications beyond its borders.

It presents an integral and important part of the message we need to send to the region as a whole.

And this message, which has to be embedded in the overall approach towards the region, is that membership in the EU is achievable, that the efforts invested bear fruit for their citizens and that they can count on the support of their partners.

Therefore, we welcome that such a message is reflected in the last Progress Reports.

Whether it comes to the renewed recommendation to open negotiations with Macedonia or the recommendation to grant Montenegro candidate status.

And we hope that the noted advancement in various areas in other South East European countries will continue, thus leading to tangible results by the time the Progress Report 2011 is published.

We are aware that a lot of work remains to be done on the path towards the goal of EU membership.

Turning this scenario into reality requires dedication, cooperation and support of us all.

It goes without saying that Croatia’s support remains unequivocal, as does our commitment to continue sharing our experience.

Because we understand how demanding it is to reach the point where Croatia stands today.

And from this perspective we know that it is indispensable to be able to count on the support of your partners, to engage in dialogue and to make your voice heard.

The voice of the region becomes stronger with every step towards creating an atmosphere of trust, dialogue and mutual understanding.

There is a long list of concrete examples proving that the region is dedicated to pursuing various forms of meaningful cooperation, be it in trade and economy, energy and transport, or justice and home affairs.

But what is most important is that behind all these initiatives stands strong political will of the countries themselves to turn a fresh page in mutual relations, which cannot be linked exclusively to the European integration process.

On this rests the guiding principle behind Croatia’s consistent and straightforward approach towards the region.

I believe that the Arbitration Agreement reached between Croatia and Slovenia, as well as the recent visit and apology of President Tadić in Vukovar, are clear proofs that such an approach is taking roots in the region.

We are witnessing that the region is leaving old patterns behind.

And we are witnessing that the region is increasingly assuming its part of the responsibility in embedding the values the European Union has been built upon.

I can claim with confidence that we are moving towards closing the full circle of reconciliation, thus embracing our common European future.

Against this backdrop, we hope to see those positive trends in the region, which would enable the respective countries to overcome some of the remaining obstacles, necessary to make a decisive step forward.

And here I mean creating a political atmosphere in Bosnia and Herzegovina conducive to the reform process and constitutional changes, to the benefit of all three constitutive peoples.

The same applies to Belgrade and Priština as well as Skopje and Athens engaging in a constructive dialogue.

The forces that are to create this future are first and foremost the countries themselves.

But it is the synergy of a strong vision of the European future, paired with the support of partners from Europe and the United States, that will enable those forces to gather the momentum needed to realize the future they are striving for.

This is exactly what the EU stood for over the past six decades, a catalyst of change across the European continent.

And it should continue to be precisely that for South East Europe as well.

Thank you!