"Today is a great and joyful day for our homeland, the Republic of Croatia. This is the day when we open a new chapter in the thick book of our history. This is the day when we fully become an accepted and full member of the greatest and most successful community of European states that has ever existed on our continent," Josipovic told the ceremony in Zagreb's main square Trg Bana Jelacica.

He said that Croatia has been and remains part of Europe not only because of its geographical position, but also because of the values they share, first and foremost the value of freedom.

"Freedom is the highest value that we have. A free Croatia in a free Europe - this was the guiding idea of many of our generations. Now, we have achieved it. However, the idea of freedom also includes freedom of individuals, freedom of every person to express and be what he is - without imposition or coercion. Freedom includes equality of large and small, majority and minority, people and states that are mutually different, but respect one another and protect freedom of others. Freedom includes solidarity among people," the President said.

He noted that Europe is a community of peace and security, and that Croatia, whose history was difficult and often tragic, is joining Europe to ensure peace and stability for itself and forthcoming generations.

"For this reason, we do not want Europe to stop at our borders. Let it be open to all countries and people of good will, to all who want to share the European dream and the European future with others in peace and freedom," Josipovic said.

"The accession to the European Union has aroused new hopes among our people. It is up to us to turn these hopes to reality. We have shown that when we really want something, when we jointly work on the fulfilment of our wishes and goals we are able to realise these wishes. In fact, the story of Croatian success is a story of community, persistence, ambition and vision," he added.

Josipovic said that a lot of important, yet not always easily attainable goals lay ahead. "Freedom, democracy, prosperity, knowledge and success cannot be achieved without courage, knowledge, persistence and community, without cooperativeness and hard work. Let the cloud of the economic crisis not overshadow our vision and optimism. The crisis is a challenge, an invitation to make tomorrow better than today."

He thanked the high-ranking guests from other EU countries who had come for the celebration for their support in transforming Croatia into "a country of European values and virtues, a country which is satisfied with success but not intoxicated by it, a country that knows that a serious and responsible work is ahead to ensure further progress and to catch up with the most advanced countries in Europe."

"Thank you for your friendship and the trust you have placed in us. The Republic of Croatia will be a responsible, constructive and active member of the European Union," Josipovic said.

Speaking of July 1 as the first day of Croatia's membership in the Union, the President said: "Seemingly, everything will be the same as before: we shall get up early, go to work, take care of our everyday business. However, this is the first day of our European future, the first day of a major opportunity that is offered to us, the first in a series of days that open up opportunities that should not be missed, opportunities that mean a new job, success and recognition for many. The Europe that we waited for is offering good opportunities for states and individuals but is not presenting them as gifts. Long live and flourish Europe, its community and its ideals, the idea of freedom, democracy, security and prosperity of all European nations. Long live Europe, long live a European Croatia!"