Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele on Thursday welcomed Croatia to the European Union, urging it to keep on with reforms in order to continue to develop and become stronger through unity in the European family.
This is a moment for celebration, Fuele said in a video message on the occasion of Croatia's July 1 EU accession.
Croatia has opted for a future in the united Europe. Today, after rigorous preparations and reforms, Croatia and its citizens have deserved to take the place that belongs to them in one of the most ambitious political and economic projects of our times, said Fuele.
He said he was glad to have been able to contribute to this event, which he described as historic, as the EU's enlargement commissioner.
I would like to thank and congratulate everyone in Croatia and the entire Europe who made that possible, he said.
Speaking of the advantages of EU membership, Fuele highlighted out greater stability.
First and foremost, your accession to the European Union means greater stability which is so necessary to a young country in which painful memories of the recent past are still alive, he said.
Croatian citizens will also benefit from the internal transformation the country underwent through a more effective judiciary and public administration, he added.
Membership will offer Croatia many other opportunities that should be used, such as access for Croatian companies to the biggest common market in the world and access to EU funds, which will help in the development of Croatian regions and economic modernisation, said Fuele.
He cautioned, however, that the EU would not immediately solve all problems in Croatia.
The fight against corruption has to be fought every day and the restructuring of the economy also has to continue. This applies to both Croatia and the entire EU, he said.
Together we are stronger in facing that and other challenges. Finally, this is what the EU is based on, strength through unity. And this is what today I wish Croatia and all of its citizens. Welcome to your house, said the commissioner.
(Hina)
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