National freedom and state independence are ideals for which every self-aware people strives, so Independence Day is the holiday when we express due gratitude to all who dedicated their work, skills and endeavours to those ideals throughout our history, notably to those who gave their lives for them during the Homeland Defence War. This binds us all to accept responsibility for Croatia's present and future. First and foremost, we have the responsibility to build a society of peace, freedom, solidarity, justice, work and respect for human rights, with particular care for children, youth and families, the president said in his message.

The foremost task ahead is the economic revival of Croatia. As a soon-to-be member of the European Union, it is important that we are not only a mature democracy and an internationally responsible country, but also a successful economy. In order to succeed, it is important that we agree on the fundamental issues of our future, encourage work and creativity, self-confidence and optimism, said Josipovic.