PM Plenkovic with the president of the European Council Tusk

European Council President Donald Tusk said in Zagreb on Monday that Croatia had made amazing achievements since its international recognition 25 years ago and that today it played a key role in Southeast Europe.

On 15 January 1992 Croatia was recognised by all 12 member-states of the then European Community, at the height of the war of independence following the break-up of the former Yugoslavia in 1991.

Croatia joined NATO in 2009, followed by admission to the European Union in 2013, and it has been on the path to economic recovery after a crisis of several years.

Europe appreciates what you have achieved in the 25 years of independence, that achievement is amazing, Tusk said at a news conference he held with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

He added that Croatia's role in Southeast Europe was crucial in terms of security and political predictability.

Croatia guarantees that the situation in Europe, notably this region, is more optimistic than before, the Polish politician said.

Croatia for me is the best partner I can imagine, he added.

PM Plenkovic said that Tusk's visit on the occasion of the anniversary of the country's international recognition was a "political and symbolic gesture of respect for Croatia."

The two officials discussed Croatia's integration with the Schengen area of passport-free movement and the euro area, the situation in the EU after Brexit and preparations for EU summits to be held in Malta and Rome.

After talks at the government headquarters, Plenkovic and Tusk went to the Croatian parliament to attend a special session marking the 25th anniversary of Croatia's international recognition.

 

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