Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds Branko Grcic on Wednesday assessed that the restriction on Croatian workers which has so far been introduced by 11 EU member states was expected considering the recession in Europe, because of which these countries wished to protect their labour markets.
Responding to reporters regarding limitations to Croatian workers in EU member states, Grcic said that this was expected considering the recession in Europe.
In Q1 Europe showed a fall in the economy, which is estimated will be 0.7% on the annual level, and countries have their own defence mechanisms, he said.
He added that unemployment was on the increase in those countries so it was logical that they protect their markets in some way while they can.
We hope that a turnabout in Europe over the next couple of years will mean a turnabout in Croatia too, which would make it easier for us to achieve what we wish to achieve and that's economic recovery, growth and, above all, new jobs, Grcic said, adding that perhaps there are people in the EU who wished to work in Croatia.
"Naturally, market competition will grow in Croatia, in small and medium enterprises and other economic sectors. We have to realise that as of Monday we are part of a single market, the borders are open and, after these transitional periods of regulating labour market relations in Croatia and the EU, the dynamics of that market will grow significantly and there will be no limits," he said.
