"Corruption impoverishes our citizens and when it is organised at the top of the state it is a real criminal enterprise against the good of the citizens and as such it must be ruthlessly eradicated," Josipovic told about 100 diplomats at his office.

In attendance were the most senior Croatian officials, government ministers, members of parliament, and foreign ambassadors whom Josipovic urged to advocate in their governments, Brussels and European Union countries' parliaments that Croatia's EU entry talks be wrapped up this year.

"I firmly believe that there is in Croatia capability and knowledge and political determination to complete this job. Likewise, I believe the time and the year has come for the EU to make the final decision on the completion of accession negotiations with Croatia," Josipovic said, adding Croatia was "capable of quickly returning the dividend of a decade of investing in its membership."

The doyen of the diplomatic corps, Papal Nuncio Mario Roberto Cassari, said Croatia's EU accession would make richer both Europe and Croatia, which he called "a noble nation so dear to us."

He wished on behalf of the diplomatic corps progress to Croatia and the Croatian people which "has preserved the Christian heritage for centuries," voicing confidence that Croatia would continue to develop politically, economically and culturally, contributing to the stability of the entire region.