EU membership and cooperation featured during the state visit by the President of Croatia

Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

Croatia’s ongoing EU membership talks and bilateral relations were the main topics featured during the state visit of the President of Croatia Ivo Josipović on 23–25 May 2011. The reception ceremony and official talks with President of the Republic Tarja Halonen took place at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, 24 May.

At the press conference President Halonen said that the cooperation between the two countries has strengthened since her visit to Croatia in September 2009, exemplified by the 13 twinning projects between the Finnish and Croatian governments.

“We hope that our cooperation will facilitate Croatia’s access to the European Union,” President Halonen said. Finland is among the countries that have strongly supported Croatian membership. President Halonen said that the EU would also be a natural place for the other West Balkan countries.

Europe stands to gain

According to President Ivo Josipović, Croatia needs to convince EU Member States that the country satisfies the membership criteria and can contribute to Europe.
“We are a small economy, but in future I hope that our meaning for the European economy and culture can be recognised,” President Josipović said. Croatia could especially make a contribution in the security sector. Making south-east Europe a region of peace and cooperation has not, however, been an easy task after a war.

Good governance is one of the key criteria for EU membership, President Halonen said, praising Croatia for the reforms that have been carried out in the country. “You can be an encouraging example to other countries that are willing to apply for EU membership.” The President also pointed out that becoming an EU member does not mean an end to reforms, as the Union is also a forum for hard competition.

President Josipović was hopeful that the membership talks could be brought to a close during the summer and that the country could accede to the European Union in 2013. “I am very optimistic and I think our discussion supports it.”

During his state visit President Josipović also met the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister. In addition to speaking at the University of Helsinki, he visited the Sibelius Academy and the newly-constructed Helsinki Music Centre. The President also visited Turku, one of the European Capitals of Culture 2011.

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