President Milanović: Associations of Persons with Disabilities Are Doing Very Important Work

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović attended a Conference for heads of associations of persons with disabilities organized by the Croatian Union of Societies of Physically Disabled Persons as part of the implementation of the three-year “Socialization, education and recreation of persons with disabilities” programme, which is in its first year.

“You’re doing very important work, and the state is helping you”, President Milanović said in his address at the opening of the Conference. He told the participants that they should take advantage of the money available in European Funds. “All of this should be utilized, each euro because this is money that’s available. It’s a plain and simple fact, and the reason why we’re in the European Union”, the President noted, adding that in the past twenty years the ideals regarding the European Union have changed. “Today it’s a lot of money that should be absorbed. This is the essence of the European Union. And a correct relation with others because it is a community of peace and a large project for peace”, he said.

The President of the Republic referred to the unemployment rate in Croatia saying that it’s lower than ever before and a result of external circumstances. “The borders are open and people can go abroad. And they’re leaving in big numbers and that’s our loss. It’s no misfortune because others are also in the same situation, practically all Eastern European states. But they’re returning and will coming back in larger numbers, regardless of who is at the head of the country because Croatia is becoming more and more standardized and things are becoming more normal”, President Milanović said in concluding his address at the opening of the Conference for heads of associations of persons with disabilities and wished success to the participants.

Accompanying President Milanović was the Adviser for Human Rights and Civil Society Melita Mulić.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas