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01 July 2013

Welcome Croatia! The EU's newest Member State


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Croatia has finally joined the EU, after being a candidate country for 10 years and negotiating for six years. It is now a fully-fledged member of the EU, including its own MEPs, a new Commissioner and a seat in the Council.


Introducing Croatia

Croatia is a small country, with a population of almost 4.5 million, bordering Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. It has over 1,200 islands and islets, of which only 48 are permanently inhabited. The currency is currently the kuna, but Croatia will adopt the euro once it fulfils criteria in areas such as price stability, public finances and exchange rate stability.

"Croatia's accession to the European Union is a historic event, which returns the country to its rightful place at the heart of Europe. I look forward to Croatia's contribution to the EU, which will be a success story – to the benefit of the Union, of the people of Croatia and of South East Europe as whole", said President Barroso.

Commission press release

Barroso statement and links to opening ceremony


Schulz on Croatia's accession to the EU - 1 July 2013

"I am delighted to welcome Croatia to the European Union on 1 July 2013. I am travelling to Zagreb to celebrate this happy and historic event. It is good news when a family grows, especially our family of values, committed to democracy, justice and the rule of law.

It is a historic day for the EU and Croatia. Europe is taking another important step towards reunification, and Croatia opens a new chapter in its history. We live in difficult times. Recession is hitting hard Croatia and many other European countries. EU membership will offer no magic solution to the crisis. But it will help to lift many people out of poverty and modernise the economy. Croatia will receive funds to build roads, clean up the environment and increase research and development.

Since its foundation the European Union has been a promise of peace. For the Western Balkans, a region that only some years ago was torn apart and devastated by war, Europe has become a magnet of peace and change. Croatia has become a pioneer: You have created institutions based on the values of democracy and the rule of law; you have reformed your economy and made it more competitive. You have demonstrated that through determination and hard-work EU membership is within reach.

On behalf of the European Parliament, I want to pay tribute to Croatian citizens for continuing on the path of reform."

Press release

EP facts and figures

"A great day for Europe and Croatia"


Council President Van Rompuy says Čestitam Hrvatska! Congratulations Croatia!

As new challenges arise, you will discover that membership is not just about respecting and shaping rules, but as much about sharing the responsibility for our common endeavour. In weather fair and foul, "for better and for worse", we must remain united as a Union. 

The European Union is one of peace, built on the spirit of reconciliation. In the recent history of the Western Balkans, your country's entry marks a milestone towards a shared future: living together, in peace and prosperity. Over the past months, jointly with Slovenia, you have courageously overcome hurdles; also with Bosnia Herzegovina.

Following the same path, Belgrade and Priština have also reached a historic agreement. I am confident that more positive steps will follow. As a trailblazer for the region, your country, now as a Member State, has a vitally important role to play.

Full statement

Appointments in the context of Croatia's accession to the EU


Tánaiste welcomes Croatia’s accession to the European Union

Speaking from Zagreb at the accession ceremony, the Tánaiste said: “On behalf of the Irish people, I want to warmly welcome Croatia as the 28th Member State of the European Union. Croatia began its journey to membership under the last Irish EU Presidency in 2004 and I am delighted that its accession is taking place at the conclusion of our current Presidency. 

“Ireland is a firm supporter of the process of EU enlargement.  It is delivering peace, democracy and prosperity across our continent, especially in the western Balkans, a region riven by conflict only 20 years ago. Croatia’s accession is a testament to its people’s determination to put a troubled period behind them and is an inspiration for its neighbours in the region.

“I believe that membership of the EU will be as beneficial and transformational to Croatia as it has been to Ireland and I look forward to building ever stronger friendships and links with our new partner in Europe.” 

Press release

Video


Croatian accession to the EU historic - Minister Creighton

The Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD, said today that Croatia’s accession to the European Union is a historic achievement, demonstrating the transformative power of the EU’s enlargement agenda. “The fact that Croatia will become the 28th member of the European Union on Monday is remarkable considering that the region was in the throes of war 20 years ago. It was my honour to lead the Irish EU Presidency’s enlargement agenda which was a key priority. Croatia is an inspiration for its neighbours in the region and indeed the entire European Community.

“This time last year I travelled to the Croatia Summit for intensive talks aimed at ensuring that Croatia would meet its accession goal and I was delighted to travel there again last month with President Higgins.”

“I would also like to pay tribute to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia Vesna Pusiæ and the Deputy Minister for European Affairs Joško Klisovic. I have worked closely with both for the last year, and their efforts along with the entire Croatian government, has led to a great moment for Croatia and for Europe. I am very proud of the role that the Irish Presidency has played in this historic moment and I look forward to continuing to pursue and support the enlargement agenda on behalf of the Government.”

Press release

See also:

EPP Group: Croatia: welcome to the EU!

The S&D Group welcomes Croatia to the European parliament



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