Mission of Croatia to the European Union Newsletter
Mission of Croatia to the European Union
Newsletter February 2010 — N°3
In this issue y Ivo Josipović, newly elected president of Croatia y Josipović: ‘I wish Croatia could join the EU in 2012’ y International reactions: Election of Ivo Josipović hailed unanimously y Croatia—Slovenia: Kosor and Pahor working towards a solution y EU Accession talks: Closing of two more chapters y Fight against corruption — Šimonović: ‘nobody is untouchable’ y EP: EU-Croatia JPC calls on fast opening of Judiciary chapter y EU Presidencies—Croatia: Jandroković meets the EU Trio In the spotlight y CROATIA AND THE EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY y EU—Croatia documents: Financial package adopted, Accession treaty in pipeline y ‘Barroso II’ Commission: Štefan Füle takes over Enlargement y Regional policy: European Commissioner Paweł Samecki in Zagreb y European Parliament: AFET’s Draft Resolution on Croatia y Visit Croatia: Zagreb New Museum of Contemporary Art
Did you know? • No less than thirteen capital cities of the EU member states (including Stockholm or Vienna) are located further east than Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, which lies 16 degrees east of Greenwich. • The truffle has a very prominent position in the Croatian cuisine, so no surprise that in 1999 around Buje in Istria, the biggest ever truffle was dug out, weighing no less than 1.310 kg!
CROATIA AND THE EU PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Ivo Josipović, newly elected president of Croatia The social-democrat candidate, who is to be sworn into office on 18 February for a 5-year term, won 60,26% of the electoral vote in the second round. He was elected after a campaign promise of a more just and transparent society. The 52-year-old candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ivo Josipović, won the second round of the presidential election with 60.26% of votes according to the official results issued by the Electoral Commission. His contender, Milan Bandić, mayor of Zagreb and social democratic party dissident, bowed out by winning 39.74% of votes. The recorded turnout was 50.13%, meaning that almost 2.3 million Croats cast their votes. Ivo Josipović, whose official inauguration is scheduled for 18 February, is going to become the third president of Croatia since the country’s independence. Before him, Croatian voters elected twice Franjo Tuđman (1992 and 1997) as well as Stjepan Mesić (2000 and 2005), for 5-year terms in of-
fice, which is renewable only once. Originally from Zagreb, Ivo Josipović was previously a parliamentary deputee of the SDP in the Sabor. LAWYER AND COMPOSER. Holding a PhD in Law, Ivo Josipović is a professor of international criminal law at the University of Zagreb. A founder of the Croatian Law Centre, he has also represented Croatia before the ICJ ant the ICTY, and worked as a judicial expert to the Council of Europe. Composer of classical music, he was awarded in 1985 with the European Broadcasting Union Award. Member of the Communist League of Croatia since 1980, he has also contributed to its transformation as one of the authors of the statute of its successor, the SocialDemocratic Party (SDP). In 1994, he left politics to dedicate himself to law and music. Responding to the call of the former Prime Minister Ivica Račan, he eventually returned to politics and won a seat in the Croatian parliament (Sabor) in 2003 as a non-party candidate on the SDP slate. At the regional elections,
he was elected to the City of Zagreb Council. NEW JUSTICE. In 2007, he was reelected a member of the Parliament and served as a member of the Legislation Committee. In 2008 he formally became a member of SDP and, in July 2009, he won the party’s primary elections and became the official SDP’s candidate for the presidential election. Building on his image as a respectable lawyer, he based his electoral campaign under the slogan ‘New Justice’ promising a more just, more equal and more transparent society.
FIRST STATEMENTS
Josipović: ‘I wish Croatia could join the EU in 2012’ Upon his election, the newly elected Croatian president voiced his opinion on several current issues. EU—Croatia: ‘I would like it very much to see Croatia join the EU on 1 January 2012’ (Der Standard, Vienna, 17/01/2010)
‘The path to the European Union is the only path of true affirmation of the modern Croatian State at the international level as a mature democracy’ (HINA, Zagreb, 15/01/2010)
‘We must clearly support Croatia’s admission to the EU and acquaint the public with the negotiations as much as possible.’ (HINA, Zagreb, 18/01/2010)
On the border dispute with Slovenia: ‘Slovenia did not want the existing international law to be applied in the case. It wanted a special agreement and it imposed it, being a member of the European Union. I believe that is clear.’ (…) ‘I have nothing against Slovenia insisting on
its positions and fighting for them. It’s normal. What was not received well in Croatia was (Slovenia’s) attitude which said: We will keep the door to the EU shut until we get our own way.’ (Delo, Ljubljana, 16/01/2010).
On the fight against corruption: ‘That is the most important task at the moment, a precondition for Croatia’s admission to the EU, and an important step for Croatia’s future.’ (HINA, Zagreb, 11/01/2010)
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Mission of Croatia to the European Union Newsletter
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INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS
Election of Ivo Josipović hailed unanimously
‘We are a force that will change the face of this country, destroy the foundations of all injustice and build a better Croatia. A force that will build a new kind of justice, a justice based on work, dignity, patriotism and honesty. We have a lot of work to do, a challenge that we will overcome.’ Ivo Josipović, victory speech
‘The United States strongly supports the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of your people and welcomes Croatia’s reform efforts, notably in fighting corruption and promoting the rule of law.’ Barack Obama, President of the United States.
‘Croatia’s accession will represent a historic moment for your country and for Europe, and will also be a factor of stability and a sign of hope for the entire region. You will be able to count
on the full support of France, which will follow you on your road to the EU, just as it did during its presidency of the EU.’ (see the letter)
I could not be more confident in the fact that Mr Josipović is the best person to lead the country successfully towards EU membership.’ (see the message)
Nicolas Sarkozy, French President
Poul Nyrup Rasmussen President of PES
‘This is a great victory for President Ivo Josipović, who managed to unite the voters behind him, as well as an impressive result for Social Democracy in Croatia. Croatia is only one step away from EU accession and
‘The Spanish Presidency will do its best to ensure that negotiations with Croatia are concluded as soon as possible’ Miguel Ángel Moratinos Spanish Foreign Minister
CROATIA—SLOVENIA
Kosor and Pahor working towards a solution ‘Croatia wants to complete its EU entry talks this year and we will do our best to make it happen. I believe we will make a significant step forward before the accession conference on 19 February, and I am confident there will be results’ said Ms Kosor. Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor and her Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor, holding talks on Slovenia’s reservations regarding the opening of some negotiation chapters within Croatia’s EU accession talks | Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) 21 December 2009
Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor met her Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor in Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) on 21 December. They discussed the outstanding issues related to the reservations that Slovenia has
regarding the opening of three negotiations chapters in Croatia’s EU entry talks. Both PMs expressed confidence that solutions will be found by the next accession conference, set for 19 February. TWO IN THREE. Mr Pahor said that he and Ms Kosor would try to solve ‘at least two of the three current issues.’ According to him the two countries have good relations and the possibility of settlement of the remaining outstanding issues is all the more better now that the most
difficult issue, border demarcation, had been regulated by the arbitration agreement (still to be ratified by Slovenia). Other issues such as the case of Ljubljanska Banka were also discussed. Ms Kosor expressed confidence about the willingness of both governments to address outstanding issues through already established joint committees. She hoped that the joint committee for economic cooperation would meet in Zagreb in early February.
EU ACCESSION TALKS
Closing two more chapters The closing of the chapters ‘Right of establishment and freedom to provide services’ and ‘Social policy and employment’ brings the number of closed chapters up to 17. The Croatian Foreign Minister, Gordan Jandroković, with his Swedish counterpart, Carl Bildt | Brussels, 21 December 2009.
Minister Gordan Jandroković, ambassador Branko Baričević (left) and chief negotiator Vladimir Drobnjak (right) | Brussels, 21 December 2009.
On 21 December 2009, Croatia closed two more negotiation chapters at the Accession Conference held at Ministerial level. The provisional closure of the chapters on Right of establishment and freedom to provide services as well as on Social policy and employment brings the number of closed chapters up to 17 out of 33, given that 28 of them have been opened so far. In addition, three more negotiation chapters that are technically ready to be opened for
some time now—Fisheries, Environment and Foreign, Security and Defence Policy—have not been opened at the last IGC, due to reservations from Slovenia. Nevertheless, the negotiations have entered their final phase. The working group tasked with drafting Croatia’s accession treaty has recently started work, said Carl Bildt, the Swedish Foreign Minister, during the joint press conference. SANS RÉPONSE. Gordan Jandroković, Croatian Foreign Minister expressed his confidence that the negotiation talks would be concluded in 2010, which is to be marked by the signing of the Accession Treaty. Mr Jandroković however regretted that three chapters that are ready
for opening have not been opened yet, adding that he expected that Slovenia will soon lift its veto. Neither he nor Mr Bildt were able to explain the reasons put forward by Slovenia. ‘This is a very unusual move on Slovenia’s part. We resolved the border issue, opting for an arbitration agreement, for an arbitral tribunal that will rule on the border, and we said then that the (accession) negotiations were separate from the border issue. Although I discussed this a few days ago with my Slovenian counterpart Samuel Žbogar, I didn’t receive a precise answer, but I believe Slovenia will remove its objections by the next accession conference,’ said Jandroković.
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FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION
Šimonović: ‘no one is untouchable’ In an interview to the Croatian Radio, Croatian Justice Minister said that an ‘all-out war’ on corruption and organized crime has been declared. ‘We have the will and the capability to purge Croatia of corruption successfully,’ declared Mr Ivan Šimonović on Croatian Radio programme on 20 January. ‘Over
the past year, we have launched a series of investigations,’ he added, noting that the appointment of Ms Jadranka Kosor as Prime Minister had provided fresh impetus in the fight against corruption. About possible links between former PM and some corruption scandals, and about the alleged impunity of politicians, Mr Šimonović was clear: ‘no one can be above the law— either former or present or fu-
ture Presidents or Prime Ministers,’ adding that ‘this is the first time in the history of Croatia that there won’t be untouchables any more.’ Commenting on the opening of Chapter 23 (Judiciary) where all three benchmarks were fulfilled, he said that Croatia ‘will resolve the issue of artillery logbooks (claimed by the ICTY) somehow. A comprehensive investigation
was conducted. Documents were handed over. It was established who removed them, when and why.’ He added that he thought that countries that had been blocking negotiations in Chapter 23 would soon agree to opening negotiations now that they saw that the fight against corruption in Croatia was ‘serious, sincere and relentless.’ Since then, all except the Netherlands have lifted their reservations.
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
EU-Croatia JPC calls on fast opening of Judiciary chapter The EU-Croatia Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) pointed out mid-2010 as a deadline for the completion of the accession talks. At its meeting in Strasbourg on 25 and 26 November 2009, the Committee called on the Council of the EU to open the policy chapter No. 23, Judiciary and
Fundamental Rights, so as to provide an additional impetus to Croatia’s internal reforms. According to the recommendations adopted in the declaration by the JPC at the end of its meeting in Strasbourg, now that Slovenia has lifted a 10-month blockade, Croatia’s accession negotiations should proceed smoothly in order
to be completed by mid-2010, provided that Croatia meets all benchmarks for the opening and closing of the policy chapters. MEPs and Croatian deputies sitting on the committee called on Slovenia’s parliament to ratify the arbitration agreement on the Slovenian-Croatian border issue. > See the TV report.
EU PRESIDENCIES—CROATIA
Jandroković meets the EU Trio The Croatian Foreign Minister said that Croatia remains committed to the full implementation of reforms, especially to judicial reform, fight against corruption and strengthening administrative capacities. In order to discuss in depth the priorities of the Spanish EU Presidency and the 18-month EU
presidency plan jointly prepared by Spain and future Belgian and Hungarian EU presidencies, Minister Gordan Jandroković met in Zagreb, on 19 January, with ambassadors Manuel Salazar of Spain, Marc de Schoutheete de Tervarent of Belgium, Peter Imre Gyoerkoes of Hungary and the head of the EU Delegation in Croatia, ambassador Paul Vandoren. Mr Jandroković thanked
the EU member states and the EU Delegation for their support, hoping that the good cooperation would continue in 2010, when Croatia expects to complete its accession negotiations. COOPERATION WITH THE ICTY. He said Croatia would remain committed to the effective and full implementation of reforms and would dedicate special attention to key areas such as judicial
PHOTO NEWS The United States supports Croatia’s efforts
Minister Gordan Jandroković and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton | Washington, 10 December 2009. > More
reform, combating corruption, strengthening administrative capacities, and full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal (ICTY) in The Hague.
NEWS FLASH U.S. Secretary of State Clinton praises Croatia’s reforms WASHINGTON, 10 DEC. 2009 — ‘Croatia’s success offers a model for the region on what can be accomplished when a nation commits to reform and progress. And I particularly applaud the prime minister for her excellent leadership in anti-corruption efforts and other important reform measures,’ said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, after meeting with Croatian Foreign Minister, Gordan Jan-
droković. Speaking on regional issues, Ms Clinton declared that the U.S. ‘are very pleased by the progress that is taking place in the concerns between Slovenia and Croatia’ and thanked Croatia ‘for its leadership.’ She also thanked Croatia for its contribution to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and to peacekeeping operations around the world.
Croatian Innovators awarded at INNOVA EURÊKA. BRUSSELS, 19 NOV. 2009 — Croatian innovators, participating at the
International Fair of innovations and new technologies INNOVA EUREKA in Brussels since 1991, have once again excelled and collected this year five golden medals for many original inventions throughout years. On this occasion, as previous years, a group of young Croatian innovators met Ambassador Branko Baričević, head of the Mission of Croatia to the EU, who congratulated them on their contribution to European creativity and the innovation society. February 2010 — N°3
Mission of Croatia to the European Union Newsletter In the
Spotlight
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Croatia and the European Security and Defence Policy
As a candidate country, Croatia is actively taking part in the Common Foreign and Security Policy as well as in the European Security and Defence Policy, and participates in diverse formal and informal EU meetings dealing with these issues. Croatia is also contributing to the EU military and crisis management capabilities and takes part in several ESDP military operations (Chad/RAC, Indian Ocean off Somali coast) and EU civilian missions (Afghanistan, Kosovo). Croatia is taking part in 15 peacekeeping missions all over the world, including UN missions and NATO operations, with altogether around 460 participants (troops, policemen, judicial officers or diplomats). CFSP & ESDP: an active involvement Alignment with the CFSP. Since 2004, Croatia has been regularly aligning itself with the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) declarations and common positions of the EU. Participation in the ESDP. As a candidate country, since 2007 Croatia has been ac-
tively participating in the carrying out of several EU civilian missions and military operations within the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy, to the extent possible given its candidate status. Croatia is awaiting the EU to open the negotiations on chapter Foreign, Security and Defence Policy.
Participation in EU meetings EU Troika Defence Ministers. As a candidate country, Croatia is since November 2004 regularly invited (twice a year) to meetings of the EU Troika with the Defence Ministers of the candidate countries and non-EU European NATO member states, as well as the informal meetings of EU Defence Ministers. EU Military Committee & Political and Security Committee. Since June 2005, Croatia has also been regularly invited to the meetings with the EU Military Committee (EUMC) in the EUMC+5 format, where it is represented by its Military Representative to the EU (and NATO). Croatian diplomatic representatives to the EU are also regularly invited to participate at the meetings of the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC) in the various so-called ‘PSC+’ formats.
Contributing to EU military and crisis management capabilities Improving EU military capabilities. In May 2006, Croatia positively replied to the EU’s request to declare its forces as a contribution to EU military capabilities within the framework of the Headline Goal 2010. In October 2006, Croatia also declared its civilian forces as a contribution to the improvement of the EU civilian capabilities within the framework of the Civilian Headline Goal 2008 (now Civilian Headline Goal 2010).
sions during 2008 and 2009. Chad and the Central African Republic. Croatia joined the EU military operation in Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR TCHAD/RCA) in October 2008, with a reconnaissance team of 15 soldiers. After the EUFOR TCHAD/ RCA’s transition to the follow-up UN military mission (MINURCAT II), as envisaged by the UN Security Council Resolutions 1834 and 1861, Croatia kept its military forces in the operation theatre under the UN command for six additional months. EU NAVFOR ATALANTA (off the Somali coast). On 3 April 2009, the Croatian Parliament adopted a decision on the participation of up to five members of the Croatian Armed Forces the EU naval operation off the Somali coast (EU NAVFOR ATALANTA), and as of July 2009, Croatian navy officers are participating in the operation.
EU Battlegroups Concept. Croatian Armed Forces’ Longterm Development Plan for 2006-2015 anticipates Croatia’s contribution to EU crisis management capabilities, including its participation in the EU Battlegroups Concept (EUBG). Activities are currently under way with a view to including Croatia in the (German-led) EUBG in the second half of 2012. Within this context, in April 2009 Croatia hosted the third coordination meeting for this EUFOR ALTHEA (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Croatia conEUBG. tinues to provide Host Nation Support (HNS) to the EUFOR ALTHEA operation in Bosnia Croatia in and Herzegovina. EU military operations Based on the expressed readiness to actively contribute to the EU ESDP missions, Croatia significantly reinforced its participation in the EU mis-
As support to the operation, Croatia has made available its seaports, airports, military facilities, air space and air traffic control services.
February 2010 — N°3
Mission of Croatia to the European Union Newsletter In the
Spotlight
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Croatia and the European Security and Defence Policy
Croatia in peacekeeping operations in the world (November 2009) Name of the mission / operation
Beginning of Croatia’s participation
UN Missions 1
MINURCAT (Chad & Central African Republic)
January 2009
2
MINURSO (Western Sahara)
December 2002
3
MINUSTAH (Haiti)
June 2004
4
UNDOF (Golan Heights)
May 2008
5
UNFICYP (Cyprus)
Sept 2004 (Armed Forces) / April 2005 (Police)
6
UNIFIL (Lebanon)
July 2007
7
UNMIL (Liberia)
October 2003
8
UNMIS (Sudan)
April 2005
9
UNMIT (Timor-Leste)
January 2005
10
UNMOGIP (India & Pakistan)
August 2002
EU missions & operations 11
EUPOL (Afghanistan)
July 2007
12
EULEX (Kosovo)
November 2008
13
EU NAVFOR ATALANTA (Indian Ocean, off Somali coast)
July 2009
NATO operations 14
ISAF (Afghanistan)
February 2003 (Armed Forces) / January 2005 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of the Interior)
15
KFOR (Kosovo)
July 2009
with altogether 459 participants (440 soldiers, 17 policemen, 1 judicial officer and 1 diplomat):
Croatia in EU civilian missions EUPOL (Afghanistan). Croatia participates in the EU Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL Afghanistan) since its inception in July 2007. EULEX (Kosovo). Following the signing of a participation agreement with the EU in 2008, Croatia is participating in the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo) with currently four police officers and one judicial officer. Just as for the EUFOR ALTHEA operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia also provides Host Nation Support (HNS) to the KFOR troops in Kosovo, making available its
• 10
seaports, airports, military facilities, air space and air traffic control services. Croatia also participates in the NATO KFOR mission with 2 helicopters and 20 troops.
Croatia in peacekeeping operations in the world From hosting to providing peacekeeping missions. Croatia is currently participating in 15 peacekeeping missions throughout the world
UN-led missions (MINURCAT, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, UNDOF, UNFICYP, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNMOGIP)—both military and police missions;
• 2 EU-led civilian missions
(EUPOL Afghanistan EULEX Kosovo);
and
• 1 EU military operation (EU
NAVFOR Atalanta); • 2 NATO missions (ISAF Af-
ghanistan, KFOR Kosovo). Croatia has in a short period of time evolved from a country that was relatively re-
Croatia’s presence in Haiti Apart from the fact that Croatia has been taking part in the UN mission in Haiti since 2004, the Government granted the Croatian Red Cross 1 million kuna (EUR 137,000) in aid to earthquake victims in Haiti. In addition, Caritas Croatia had so far raised HRK 2.2 million kuna (EUR 300,000) in aid of Haiti.
cently a receiver of international peacekeeping missions to a successful provider of peacekeeping and crisis management efforts. Furthermore, the combat experience Croatian soldiers acquired during the Homeland war (1991-1995) is well appreciated and regarded as a precious asset.
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EU—CROATIA DOCUMENTS
Financial package adopted, Accession treaty in pipeline Croatia’s bid to conclude EU accession talks this year has received additional momentum after the financial package for EU membership was adopted and work on drafting the Accession treaty started under the Swedish EU presidency.
On 7 December 2009, the EU General Affairs Council adopted a financial package for the first two years of Croatia’s EU membership (2012-2013). The package has been prepared by the European Commission on the working assumption that Croatia will join the bloc in January 2012. Croatia will be able to
access most of this amount through Cohesion and Structural funds allowing an estimated EUR 2.205 billion to be drawn out in the first two years. To be granted this amount, Zagreb is to prepare quality projects. ACCESSION TREATY. Following recommendations from this year’s Commission’s Progress report on
Croatia, an ad hoc group has been tasked, under the Swedish EU Presidency, with the drafting of Croatia’s Accession Treaty. The work of the ad hoc group started last December and the final draft of the Croatia’s Accession Treaty is due to be ready this year, upon completion of the Croatia-EU accession talks.
‘BARROSO II’ EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Štefan Füle takes over Enlargement Designated to succeed to EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn, Mr Štefan Füle, a Czech, is to take up his new position on 9 February 2010, after the vote of consent on the new Commission in the EP.
The Czech diplomat obtained the extended EU Enlargement and European neighbourhood policy portfolio.
Currently minister for European affairs in the Czech government, Mr Füle, 47, has held several senior diplomatic posts including ambassador to the United King-
dom and permanent representative to NATO. Unlike his predecessor, the new commissioner for Enlargement will also be responsible for the European neighbourhood policy. The latter is however to be carried out in close cooperation with Lady Ashton, the recently appointed High Representative for the EU Foreign and Security Policy and European Commission
Vice-President. CONFIDENT ABOUT CROATIA. Mr Füle had a successful hearing before the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on 12 January. In his written answers, he expressed his confidence that Croatia would complete its accession talks in 2010 and that he would focus on the preparation of the Accession Treaty.
REGIONAL POLICY
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Commissioner Samecki in Zagreb
AFET’s Draft Resolution on Croatia
The EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Paweł Samecki, called on the Croatian authorities to speed up preparations for the use of EU cohesion funds. Mr Samecki met in Zagreb with Prime Minister Kosor, as well as with government and parliament officials on 25 and 26 January. He discussed the progress of
Croatia’s accession negotiations, focusing on regional policy and conditions Croatia has to meet so as to make full use of EU funds. EUR 2.2 billion has been set aside in EU cohesion funds for the first two years of Croatia’s membership in the EU in 2012 and 2013, which is 20 times more than the support it now receives through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), Samecki said.
According to the EP’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), accession talks with Croatia should be wrapped up by the end of 2010. The AFET’s draft resolution adopted on 27 January 2010 was carried by 54 votes in favour to none against and eight abstentions. The Committee voted on the draft proposed by the Euro-
PHOTO NEWS Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor met European Commissioner Paweł Samecki.
‘I believe that the Croatian authorities will achieve their plans and finalise the negotiations with the EU by the end of this year,’ said Commissioner Paweł Samecki in Zagreb on 26 January 2010.
pean Parliament’s rapporteur on Croatia, Mr Hannes Swoboda, and on 50 amendments. The document will be discussed and put to a vote at a plenary session of Parliament in Strasbourg on 10 February. Negotiations should proceed smoothly so that they can be completed in 2010 provided Croatia meets all opening and closing benchmarks, the draft resolution says.
NEWS FLASH Croatia receives Pearl of Wisdom cervical cancer prevention award for second time. BRUSSELS, 26 Jan. 2010 — Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Đurđa Adlešič attended the closing session of the summit on cervical cancer prevention in Brussels. For the second time in a row Croatia received the Pearl of Wisdom Award for a successful campaign raising awareness among women about cervical cancer. It is the only country outside the EU to have received the award twice.
‘This is a great recognition for a small country that is not a member of the EU yet,’ said Ms Adlešič, congratulating Croatian researchers and authorities for their contribution to the campaign. ‘Our goal is for every woman to receive timely information about this problem and to realise that what is the most important is her health’ she added. In Croatia, about 400 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and 150 die.
Croatia offered Croatian translation of the acquis. ZAGREB, 30 Dec. 2009 – The government decided to make available the Croatian translation of the acquis communautaire to interested Southeast European countries. ‘I believe that we will wrap up the accession talks in 2010,’ Prime Minister Kosor said, adding that the decision to make the translation available was ‘an important message for good neighbourliness and the common European future.’ February 2010 — N°3
EVENTS CALENDAR 10 February 2010 Mission of Croatia to the European Union
STRASBOURG: Debate on the 2009 Progress report on Croatia at the plenary session of the European Parliament.
Avenue des Arts, 50 / Kunstlaan 50 1000 Bruxelles / Brussel
11 February 2010
Phone: +32 2 507 54 11 Fax: +32 2 646 56 64 E-mail: cromiss.eu@mvpei.hr
18 February 2010
BRUSSELS: ‘Croatian evening’ organised by the Croatian Tourist Board. ZAGREB: Oath-taking of the newly elected Croatian President, Mr Ivo Josipović. European Commissioner Füle in Zagreb.
We are on the web:
19 February 2010 BRUSSELS: EU–Croatia Intergovernmental accession conference.
http://eu.mfa.hr — www.mvpei.hr Notice. This Newsletter is published by the Mission of Croatia to the EU in Brussels. Publishing Director: Branko Baričević – Editor & design: Zvonimir Frka-Petešić, Head of Press and Public Diplomacy. Editing & distribution: Niki Pečarević. Free subscription, un-subscription or comments: niki.pecarevic@mvpei.hr. The newsletter is available in English and French. Neither the Mission of Croatia to the EU nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Croatia accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to the information in this newsletter. Feel free to forward this newsletter to all that might be interested in its content.
5-6 March 2010 CORDOBA: Croatian Foreign Minister Jandroković at the informal ‘Gymnich’ meeting.
22 March 2010 BRUSSELS: 6th meeting of the EU—Croatia Stabilisation and Association Council.
29-30 March 2010 ZAGREB: 11th meeting of the EU—Croatia Joint Parliamentary Committee.
12 April 2010 BRUSSELS: EU—Croatia Intergovernmental accession conference.
More info on > EU Calendar
VISIT CROATIA ZAGREB
New building for the Museum of Contemporary Art Since its official inauguration on 11 December 2009 the newly opened museum has attracted more than 150,000 visitors, giving thus a significant boost to the artistic offer of the Croatian capital city. Located in New Zagreb area, at the crossroads of Holjevac and Dubrovnik Avenues, the new building of Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) in Zagreb is the largest publicly funded cultural project since Croatian independence in 1991. Designed by Croatian architect Igor Franić, the building—which includes 4,800 sqm of exhibition space, 3,000 of which will be occupied by the permanent exhibit—holds collections of Croatian and foreign works from the 1950s to the present. AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT. The museum, the first one to be built in Zagreb in the last 125 years, has a very rich collection comprising 12,000 holdings. In addition, the
museum’s permanent exhibit, ‘Collections in Motion,’ consists of 615 works by Croatian and foreign artists, which includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, posters, films and videos, as well as works of new multimedia art. Currently, its visitors have the opportunity to view a retrospective exhibition of Aleksandar Srnec, entitled The Present Absence that has been organized by Marinko Sudac Collection, City of Varaždin, and MSU Zagreb. Besides exhibitions, the new museum building will also host other events, ranging from film screenings, theatre performances or concerts, to lectures, presentations, and workshops for children. The building also includes a library, restoration workshops, and wide range of other facilities for aficionados of contemporary art. The Museum covers a total surface of 14,500 sqm. Its north facade, oriented towards the city park with Bundek Lake, is
intended for open-air exhibitions. As for the partitioned geometrical volume of its fivestorey building, characterized by a changing cross-section reminiscent of a meander, it may soon become a recognizable symbol of the city. MULTIFACETED. The ground floor is entirely intended for the visitors—it contains the museum shop, children’s workshop, library with a reading hall, a minor exhibition space, restaurant, and a multimedia hall. The exhibition rooms are located on the upper floors of the Museum, constructed in a meander-like form. Multifaceted as they are, they make it possible to enlarge, diminish, and intertwine at leisure the permanent collection and the temporary exhibitions. So they are suitable for exhibiting and presenting even the most demanding exhibition projects. > Muzej suvremene umjetnosti
February 2010 — N°3
Progress in EU-Croatia accession negotiations at a glance Phases carried out by Croatia, the EC or the Council:
1
CHAPTERS OF THE ACQUIS COMMUNAUTAIRE x x x N
European CommissionCroatia: screening (1st phase)
- Chapters still to be opened - Opened chapters - Provisionnaly closed chapters
2 CroatiaEuropean Commission (EC): screening (2nd phase)
Updated on 8 February 2010
3 Commission’s
Screening Report
presented to the Council
- Chapters ready for opening or closing, blocked by Slovenia
4
5
Council's Working Group for Enlargement discussing the Screening Report
Council’s decision on Croatia's preparedness for the opening of negotiations or on opening benchmarks
6
7
If set, opening Croatia benchmarks presented its are to be Negotiating fulfilled by Croatia, then Position to assessed by the the EU EC, and validate by the Council
8
9
Commission drawing up a Draft Common Position (DCP)
Council's Working Group for Enlargement discussing the DCP
11
10
EU's Common Position for the opening of negotiations adopted by the Council
12
13
Formal
If set, closing
Accession Conference
Croatia, then at the Accession assessed by the Conference EC, and validate by the Council
Provisional
opening of benchmarks closing of the chapter are to be at the the chapter fulfilled by
1 Free Movement of Goods 2 Freedom of Movement for Workers
16-20.1.06
13-17.2.06
12.10.06
zzz
24.4.08
23.7.08
25.7.08
19.7.06
8.9.06
21.2.07
—
20.7.07
16.6.08
17.6.08
z
2.10.09
3 Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services
21-21.11.05
15-16.12.05
20.9.06
—
18.10.06
20.6.07
26.6.07
zzzzzz
21.12.09
4 Free Movement of Capital
ÌÌÌÌ
25.11.05
21.12.05
27.9.06
zz
5.6.08
2.10.09
2.10.09
5 Public Procurement
7.11.05
29.11.05
17.5.06
zz
7.10.08
18.12.08
19.12.08
6 Company Law
21.6.06
19.7.06
31.1.07
—
1.2.07
20.6.07
26.6.07
zzzz
2.10.09
6-7.2.06
28.2-1.3.06
4.10.06
—
18.10.06
21.2.07
29.3.07
zz
19.12.08
7 Intellectual Property Law 8 Competition Policy 9 Financial Services 10 Information Society and Media
8-9.11.05
5-6.12.05
28.6.06
ÌÌÌÌ
29-30.3.06
4-5.5.06
24.1.07
—
28.3.07
20.6.07
26.6.07
zzzzz
27.11.09
12-13.6.06
17-18.7.06
31.1.07
—
9.3.07
20.6.07
26.6.07
zzz
19.12.08
11 Agriculture and Rural Development
5-8.12.05
30.1-2.2.06
9.11.06
z
8.9.08
2.10.09
2.10.09
12 Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy
9-15.3.06
29.5-7.6.06
3.4.07
zzzz
24.7.08
2.10.09
2.10.09
24.2.06
29.3.06
29.7.08
—
26.9.08
26-29.6.06
18-21.9.06
21.2.07
—
8.6.07
16.4.08
21.4.08
15-17.5.06
19-21.6.06
18.5.07
—
11.7.07
16.4.08
21.4.08
zzzz
6-7.6.06
3-4.7.06
31.1.07
—
30.4.08
2.10.09
2.10.09
13 Fisheries 14 Transport Policy 15 Energy 16 Taxation 17 Economic and Monetary Policy 18 Statistics 19 Social Policy and Employment 21 Trans-European Networks 22 Regional Policy & Co-ordination of Structural Instruments 23 Judiciary and Fundamental Rights
16.2.06
9.3.06
20.9.06
—
18.10.06
20.12.06
21.12.06
z
19-20.6.06
13-14.7.06
20.12.06
—
22.2.07
20.6.07
26.6.07
zz
2.10.09
8-10.2.06
6-8.3.06
18.7.06
z
7.4.08
16.6.08
17.6.08
zz
21.12.09
27-28.3.06
27-28.4.06
20.9.06
—
18.10.06
20.12.06
21.12.06
z
25.7.08
30.6.06
22.9.06
3.4.07
—
6.6.07
19.12.07
19.12.07
z
2.10.09
11-14.9.06
5-6.10.06
25.4.07
z
25.6.08
2.10.09
2.10.09
SSS
19.12.08
6-8.9.06
17-18.10.06
20.12.07
23-25.1.06
21-23.2.06
18.7.06
z
11.4.08
2.10.09
2.10.09
25 Science and Research
20.10.05
15.11.05
24.2.06
—
17.3.06
8.6.06
12.6.06
—
12.6.06
26 Education and Culture
26.10.05
17.11.05
26.4.06
—
26.4.06
7.12.06
11.12.06
—
11.12.06
27 Environment
3-11.4.06
15-19.5.06
3.4.07
z
11.7.08
28 Consumer and Health Protection
8-9.6.06
10-11.7.06
14.3.07
—
28.3.07
19.7.07
12.10.07
zzzz
27.11.09
31.1-1.2.06
15-16.3.06
28.6.06
—
2.10.06
20.12.06
21.12.06
zzz
2.10.09
30 External Relations
10.7.06
15.9.06
14.3.07
—
28.3.07
11.10.07
12.10.07
z
30.10.08
31 Foreign, Security and Defence Policy
14.9.06
2.10.06
7.5.08
—
8.5.08
32 Financial Control
18.5.06
29.6.06
9.11.06
—
21.12.06
20.6.07
26.6.07
ÌÌÌÌÌ
33 Financial and Budgetary Provisions
6.9.06
27.9.06
25.4.07
—
2.8.07
19.12.07
19.12.07
28 0
28 0
24 Justice, Freedom and Security
29 Customs Union
34 Institutions
—
35 Other Issues 376 Number of chapters that went through a particular phase 16 Number of chapters still in progress in a particular phase Phases completed by Croatia Phases completed by the EC
—
—
—
33 0
33 0
33 0
33 0
Phases completed by the Council 6.9.06
Completion date
—
33 0
Phases being processed Phases blocked by Slovenia Skipped phases
31 2
31 0
31 0
28 3
3 benchmarks to be met (example)
Benchmarks being processed by , Ì or S Croatia, the EC or the Council
zzz
17 11
17 0
3 benchmarks fulfilled (example) Opening or closing of chapters
Mission of Croatia to the European Union, Brussels – http://eu.mvp.hr
20 Enterprise and Industrial Policy
27.11.09