In a world of challenges, it is time for decisions to make the European Union more resilient and solidary

On behalf of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković sent the following message on the occasion of Europe Day:

"On this day 70 years ago, the Schuman Declaration laid the foundations of today’s European Union. Formed as a community of six states, the Union was built gradually, as a project of peace, reconciliation, democracy, human rights, cooperation and mutual solidarity, for which it was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2012. After several rounds of enlargement, and with the accession of Croatia in 2013, the Union has become a community of 28 countries. Unfortunately, the United Kingdom has left us this year.
 
In the first half of this year, Croatia is presiding over the Council of the European Union for the first time in its history, and it does so at the beginning of a new institutional cycle. Our programme is based on four pillars: A Europe that develops, A Europe that connects, A Europe that protects and An influential Europe, under the motto “A Strong Europe in a World of Challenges”.
 
From the start of our Presidency, we have been dealing with complex and extremely important issues for the future of Europe: from ensuring orderly Brexit and reaching an EU-27 agreement on the mandate for negotiations on future relations with the United Kingdom, negotiations on the Union’s next multiannual budget and discussions about the European Green Deal, to putting a strong emphasis on the importance of the enlargement policy and strengthening of relations with EU neighbours, in geostrategic, security and economic terms. We have also brought to the fore the issues of migration, climate change and growing populism, with the intention of discussing these issues also with our citizens within the Conference on the Future of Europe.
 
However, in a matter of months, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is now confronted with an unprecedented challenge with enormous political, economic, social and health consequences. This also posed unparalleled administrative and logistical challenges for our Presidency. Nevertheless, our reaction was quick and we found solutions that allowed for the continuation of effective decision making in the Council, now when the citizens most expect the Union to act in that manner.
 
After orderly Brexit, concrete negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027 started. Under the new circumstances, they will now intensify with a new approach. Consensus was reached on a new methodology for the accession negotiations, and at Croatia’s initiative and after significant political and diplomatic efforts, the Council decided in March to open negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia.
 
After this important achievement, also at Croatia’s initiative, the Zagreb Summit with leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans was held on 6 May. It resulted in the adoption of the Zagreb Declaration that reaffirmed and consolidated a clear European future for the countries of Southeast Europe and announced regular joint meetings at high-level. With this political success, Croatia has strongly positioned itself and promoted its foreign policy priorities at the European level.
 
In the context of the pandemic, the Croatian Presidency activated the EU Integrated Political Crisis Response mechanism already in late January and continued to hold regular ministerial and other meetings to coordinate action by Member States in the joint fight against this pandemic.
 
Within the Council, we have ensured that discussions proceed efficiently and that agreement is reached in a timely manner on a number of EU acts and guidelines that provide more flexibility in the use of EU funds, easier procurement and production of medical equipment, and free flow of goods across borders and through transport corridors. In addition, we have facilitated the repatriation of European citizens from third countries, enabled coordinated monitoring of the changing epidemiological situation and facilitated decisions to gradually deescalate measures and restrictions at the national level, which should also lead to a revival of tourism.
 
Our response to this crisis is comprehensive and strong. Its aim is to protect jobs and entrepreneurship, ensure swift and effective recovery and achieve sustainable development and competitiveness of the European and national economies, while strengthening the solidarity and resilience of societies of all our Member States, as well as our neighbours.
 
This is the time for bold decisions at European level.
 
In a situation when the European Union is facing the greatest challenges since World War II, the Conference on the Future of Europe can serve as an important framework for reflection, open debate and shaping a vision of our common European future, in dialogue between all Member States, European institutions and with full involvement of our citizens and other stakeholders.
 
I therefore call on all the Member States in the Council to reach consensus as soon as possible, as well as agreement with other European institutions on the timing and manner for launching this Conference, which can be of paramount value for the long-term future of Europe.
 
It can also be an opportunity to bring closer together, through a broad debate, the different views of the northern, southern, western and eastern Member States, those who want more and those who want less EU powers and European integration, and those who want larger and those who want smaller common European budget. While always keeping in mind our guiding principle and ambition: that the topics and questions, as well as answers, are of direct interest for the daily life and well-being of our citizens.
 
On behalf of the Croatian Government and the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I wish all my fellow citizens as well as all citizens of the Union a Happy Europe Day."
 
Andrej Plenković

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