By Aleksander Stipetic
Today is a historic day for Croatia and its citizens. With the membership in the EU, Croatia is rounding up its long and difficult journey of affirmation as an independent, democratic country capable of living up to the highest European standards.
Without the EU pre-accession process we would not have achieved that. It took us approximately 12 years since Croatia signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement in 2001, with more than 6 years of hard and sometimes frustrating negotiations, to complete the pre-accession process. Trust me it was worth the yearlong effort and the pressure we were under. Croatia has undergone a deep transformation and that is a real benefit from the EU accession.
There will be many more benefits – in all spheres of life but the prime benefits are the acquiscommunautaire and the fact that we will be part of an association where the rule of law thrives, where the law naturally serves the needs of the citizens, an association that has the strength and the means to fight corruption and organized crime. Croatia will be a reliable and constructive partner, a member loyal to the European founders’ ideas of promoting trust and friendship among nations, and dialogue in difficult times.
This naturally applies to Croatia’s commitment to the stabilization of the region. We will even upgrade our efforts and tend to be a powerful advocate in Brussels of any or our neighbors on their path to EU membership.
Right now Croatia is like a bright beacon to all EU aspiring countries in the region. It represents a breakthrough for the entire region. We hope all countries in the region will follow our example – as soon as possible.
We want all of them to join the European family as soon as possible. Albania is no exception. On the contrary, it is a very good friend, and we are looking forward to supporting the Albanian authorities in the negotiation process.
For all of us there is no alternative to the EU. Membership in the EU means for Western Balkans a final end to a history of hostilities and wars. It is a chance for all of us to prosper in harmony, mutual respect and dialogue.
It is truly a wondrous opportunity for all of us to opt for peace and stability, cooperation and rule of law. Those are of course the most basic provisions for our people and economies to thrive.
The European Commission is committed to further enlargement. We have been witnessing in the Albanian case as well to what degree this is true. The truth is that the EU does not want any part of Western Balkans to stay outside. It is rather eager to closing systematically open ends. Thank you all once again for attending this event and many thanks to the EU Information Centre in particular, for the initiative to organize a Croatian week to mark Croatia’s accession to the EU, and of course to Ambassador Sequi for supporting this project and this wonderful warm welcome.
Aleksander Stipetic is Croatia’s ambassador in Tirana. These were his remarks at an event celebrating Croatia’s entry in the EU.
