Since it joined the European Union and NATO Croatia has been stronger than ever, Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic said in a speech at the Croatian Embassy in Canberra on Tuesday, announcing that internal rules would have to be changed so that the country could stop living on loan and being "exposed to external pressures".
"Since our admission to the EU, we have been trying - and believe me, it has been difficult - to make Croatia a country that will be stronger than it has been so far. In relation to our neighbours and our position in this part of Europe, we are probably stronger than we have ever been. We have our own state, we have state instruments, our relations with our neighbours have gone through both ups and downs, and we have to live with them. But we have never been calmer or more secure now that we are a member of the EU and NATO," said Milanovic.
The crisis in Europe has been affecting Croatia as well so it will be necessary to change some rules in the country, said Milanovic.
"The countries we border on are also going through a crisis. That affects every kuna that we make. We have to change some rules in the country, such as the rule that some things are free, that we can live on loan, that we don't have to pay our bills and that debts don't have to be paid," said Milanovic.
"Until we create conditions for strong and stable growth, for making more money every year instead of seeking loans abroad, we will be exposed to pressures both from the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund."
Commenting on his having laid a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Milanovic said he would like Croatians, too, "to be able to talk about the war (in Croatia) like that, in a calm, dignified manner, with one voice."
"We don't have to see eye-to-eye on every detail, but when will we agree on the main things? In the lives of nations and communities, such processes take time," he concluded.
Milanovic today met with members of the Canberra business community and held talks with Bronwyn Bishop, Speaker of the House of Representatives. On Wednesday, he is expected to meet his Australian counterpart and host Tony Abbot.
(Hina)
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