"Croatia has changed. Once a war-ravaged country only at the beginning of democratic processes, today Croatia is a country that is home to democracy, the rule of law, human rights, Europeanism. Croatia is a country deeply integrated into the international community through its active role in numerous international organisations and initiatives, peace operations and international science and cultural projects," said Josipovic.

He recalled that 20 years ago Croatia severed ties with Yugoslavia and declared independence.

"Many celebratory words have been said recently. We remembered our fellow citizens who gave their lives for our freedom, we summarised everything good that has been done in these 20 years and somewhat more shyly what was not good," said Josipovic.

"It is really a happy circumstance that our country's 20th birthday coincides with the decision of our friends in the European Union to complete the negotiations with Croatia and accept it soon as the EU's 28th member. That was possible because we carried out many reforms, declared war on corruption, prepared our economy for the big, European market game."

Josipovic added, however, that Croatia "is far from a perfect society. We have to carry out many reforms, beat corruption and crime, raise living standards and eliminate poverty. Our country's 20th anniversary is an opportunity to show optimism that Croatia can do much better. Croatia must do better!"

Josipovic was attending the concert together with Slovenian President Danilo Tuerk and Hungarian President Pal Schmitt, thanking them for "being here with us to celebrate together the birthday of the European Croatia. Thank you for being with us tonight to share the pride in our history, to share the optimism of our common European future."