"As of this morning, we have all 27 ratifications, which means that all EU countries believe Croatia is fully ready to function as an equal member," she said at the Association of Croatian Diplomats' second annual conference.

Pusic said this "is a big moment for us" and that it would be celebrated on July 1 because "it's not over until it's over."

"But the huge 12-year job has been brought to completion. We will wait until July 1 to celebrate but we feel good."

Pusic recalled Croatia's long and complex process of EU accession, saying it had contributed to a big transformation of the country. "Today, Croatia is a very different country than it was 12 or ten years ago, but the Union too is different than it was then."

From a country focused on state building and alignment with the European legislation and other standards, as of July 1 Croatia becomes a country that will participate in the definition and setting of standards, said Pusic.

As for the region, she reiterated that Croatia's EU accession process had been important not only for Croatia but for its neighbours too. "A long term policy of stability in our immediate neighbourhood is in our direct interest."

In line with a statement by President Ivo Josipovic, co-creator of the foreign policy, Pusic said that upon joining the EU Croatia would direct its foreign policy to countries outside the Union as well.

"Croatia has its role on the international scene," she said, adding that although this role should not be exaggerated, "we also don't want to underestimate our potential and responsibilities."