This is not an official record of the proceedings and specific remarks are not necessarily attributable.
Summary
On 11 February 2003 the IRRI-KIIB invited the President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Stjepan Mesic, to give a conference to discuss what the EU gains through the membership of Croatia. Mr. Etienne Davignon, President of the IRRI-KIIB, welcomed President Mesic. During the address, President Mesic underlined Croatia's reform process and the capabilities it can bring into EU. Croatia wants to apply for EU membership on 18 February in Athens. Will this application be received with understanding? President Mesic expects it.
Misunderstanding on the fulfilment of EU obligations
Before addressing the question what Croatia can offer to the EU, president Mesic dealt with the question how to convince Europe that Croatia is a serious and credible candidate. He referred to certain misunderstandings concerning the fulfilment of EU requirements for Croatia and the international commitments made. There will be resistance, but this will not obstruct Croatia on the path this country is heading for.
Opportunities to seize for the EU
President Mesic analysed the potential and capabilities Croatia can bring into Europe. Through its membership Croatia makes it possible to implement the ‘final phase of the project of "Unified Europe"’. He urged to continue the enlargement and to work on creating the conditions for the next rounds.
Further, Croatia can contribute to transforming the Southeastern Europe into a zone of stability, peace and security through its policy of regional co-operation. It assists in overcoming the consequences of war through good relations with neighbouring countries.
President Mesic expressed Croatia’s ambition to create a network of bilateral and multilateral relations that will bring the Balkans closer to Europe. He laid special emphasis on its commitment to anti-fascism.
He then moved to the topic of human rights and Croatia’s policy towards minorities. "We can serve as a guide and role model to others in the region", affirmed the President. There is a contribution to the "Europeanization of the whole region" through the policy aimed at building democracy and strengthening the foundations of the state based on the rule of law. Finally, Croatia sets an example by transforming the media.
Croatia’s true capability and message for Europe
Concluding President Mesic reiterated what Croatia really can offer to Europe: assistance in getting the Balkans closer to the EU and then integrating the region into the Union. He stressed the importance of continuing to pursue the adopted policy in order to enjoy the benefits offered by the EU membership. He stated that Europe should recognize Croatia’s potential but should also show its readiness to receive and use it.