The forthcoming accession of Croatia to the European Union is proof that the enlargement policy is alive and effective, EU Delegation chief Paul Vandoren said at a ceremony marking Europe Day, held in the National and University Library in Zagreb on Thursday.
The enlargement policy is alive, as shown by the fact that Croatia is entering the EU in 53 days. That shows that the enlargement policy is not a part of the problem of the European Union but a part of the solution, Vandoren said.
The EU is a house that has been under construction for 63 years now and Croatia will participate in its construction. A lot of work remains to be done, but it is better to be under the same roof than stay outside, he added.
Vandoren said that Croatia's EU entry would encourage all countries in southeastern Europe to join the bloc. The opening of pre-accession talks with Montenegro and the awarding of membership candidate status to Serbia are also factors that strengthen the process of reconciliation in the region, he noted.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures from Croatia's political, economic and public life, including President Ivo Josipovic, his visiting Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor, Parliament Speaker Josip Leko, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Vesna Pusic, and former President Stjepan Mesic.
