European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said in Zagreb's main square on Sunday night that Croatia had changed a lot in recent decades and become a fully democratic country in which fundamental rights and the rule of law were respected.
"Croatia is thus well-placed to benefit fully from all that the EU has to offer," he said at a ceremony on the occasion of Croatia's EU accession.
He told the Croatian people that it deserved credit for this historic moment, saying its "hard work (has) made this possible. You have returned Croatia to its rightful place in the heart of Europe. Your hard work means that Croatia is well-prepared to join our Union."
"The challenges in our world are enormous. But as part of the European family, Croatia is not alone. Just as the European Commission supported your accession, we will assist you as a Member State," Barroso said.
"Croatia is also an example to others in this region... As an EU Member State you have made clear that you will help others follow your path. I welcome this commitment as our Union is open to all who share our European values," Barroso said a few minutes before midnight.
