Croatia's EU presidency will be intense and will require the full involvement and contribution of all of us together

The visit paid by the new European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Zagreb on 30 July is the confirmation of a good political place which Croatia, the youngest member of the European Union, enjoys in the Union, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic told parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

The premier delivered his report on Croatia's participation in the meetings of the European Council in the past few months, and underscored that the presentation of reports was useful practice for Croatian lawmakers and general public, notably ahead of the country's presidency over the EU in the first half of 2020.

Addressing MPs, Plenkovic underlined the fact that Croatia was the third destination for von der Leyen after she became the European Commission President-elect.

This fact is a message, he added.

This shows good relations between Croatia and Germany and also it is about a good political place occupied by Croatia as the youngest EU member, he said citing the latest diplomatic successes of his country.

He reiterated his congratulations to the previous Foreign and European Affairs Minister Marija Pejcinovic Buric who earlier in the day assumed office of the 14th Secretary-General of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. He praised the contribution of other Croatian diplomats who participated in this success.

Plenkovic recalled that in the new European Commission, Croatia's Dubravka Suica has been designated for the position of the EC Vice-President for Democracy and Demography.

We have accentuated the topic (of demography) which is very important from Croatian's point of view and it is also important for Europe as a half of EU countries have negative birth rates, he explained.

"This is an occasion for us to have a great influence," with regard to the pertaining polices and the means crucial for this topic, he added.

Plenkovic also underscored the two more appointments of female Croatian politicians in Europe.

In mid-April the European Parliament endorsed the appointment of Croatian candidate Ivana Maletic to the European Court of Auditors.

In January, a former state secretary at the Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Maja Mrakovcic Kostelac was selected for the job of Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), thus becoming the first Croatian official at the helm of this organisation which was established in 2002..

He also underscored the fact that two female judges from Croatia -- Tamara Perisin and Vesna Tomljenovic - had been appointed to the General Court of the European Union in Luxembourg, and that Irena Andrassy is the new Croatian permanent representative to the EU.

In thus context he boasted the fact that all these experts are female, which speaks of gender equality in Croatia.

I am personally very glad to see that, the premier added.

He informed the parliament about the process of the election of senior officials in the European Union in the recent months as well as of the adoption of strategic documents.

Plenkovic commented on new main topics outlined in von der Leyen's agenda which include: a European Green Deal, new economy that works for people, a Europe fit for the digital age, protecting our European way of life, a stronger Europe in the world and  a new push for European democracy.

He also listed Croatia's priorities during its presidency: a growing Europe, transport, energy and digital connectivity of the continent, a protective Europe and a strong. agile and assertive EU.

During a discussion on the report which he submitted to the national legislature on Croatia's participation in the European Council's recent meetings, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Wedneday evening that the country was ready for Brexit.

"We have adopted necessary laws to get Croatia prepared for (Brexit)," said the premier.

All relevant agencies and services have full information, and the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry provides Croatian citizens with all necessary information on this topic.

The available information is in the section "Brexit - General Information" on the ministry's website.

"For the Republic of Croatia, it is vital to preserve the rights of Croatian citizens in the UK, as well as the UK citizens in Croatia, and provide them with clarity regarding their future status. In case of a no deal-scenario, the UK leaving the EU without the agreement, the Croatian Government is currently undertaking all measures necessary for establishing the conditions of reciprocity in order to minimize the effect of withdrawal on citizens and business activities. The condition of reciprocity means that Croatian citizens in the UK would enjoy the same rights as the UK citizens in Croatia," the ministry says, noting that there are two possible scenarios of the UK's withdrawal from the EU: orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU, and disorderly withdrawal (“no-deal” Brexit).

Text: Hina

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