In the interview which was aired on Thursday evening, Milanovic said that his cabinet is "trying to reform the country as much as possible" in the run-up to its admission to the European Union, set for 1 July. He also noted that in order to generate a growth, Croatia is also relying on the recovery of its neighbours, notably Italy which was described in the interview as Croatia's major trading partner.

"I am a passionate pragmatist. I am from a country that paid a heavy price for its independence, now we won the war and victory," Milanovic said when asked about his emotions regarding Croatia's coming entry into the European bloc.

As for Croatia's economy, he said that it was stagnating. "We are at a standstill," Milanovic said in the interview which was aired within the Quest Means Business broadcast.

He added that his cabinet was working on improving the country's general legislative framework so as to "raise the attractiveness of the country for investments".

The premier acknowledged that the country's debt must be reduced and that more must be done to overhaul the public administration.

"We know that we have to change. All countries that were aware of the need for change, like Germany and Scandinavian countries, are doing fine now," said the prime minister of the next EU newcomer.

Regarding Croatia's economic growth, he said that this also depended on the recovery of Croatia's "strong and big neighbours" and in this context he said he expected Italy to follow the suit of Germany.

Italy is our major trading partner and "every turn in Italy, positive or negative, affects Croatia as well," he added.

He, however, recalled that Croatia's economy had not been "exposed to turbulances" such was the case of Baltic countries.

Croatia's economy is "more diversified" but we rely on our strong and big neighbours.," he said, among other things.