President Milanović cautions: Europe is facing years of uncertainty, Croatia must avoid risky adventures

“Uncertain years lie ahead for Europe, and the same is true of Croatia. It is therefore crucial that we remain where we know we are safe and not become adventurers. Because, there is always time for adventure, but in the case of individuals. States and their leaders must not allow themselves such adventurism,” the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović stated this evening in Jelsa where he participated in a special session of the Municipal Council of Jelsa on the occasion of Municipality Day and the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“The European Union is weaker than global players. Besides having a significant number of residents, our natural resources and our technological superiority are non-existent, and there is a wide range of problems. In that world, we must be loyal, polite and cooperative with others, but look after our interests and be aware that only we truly care about Croatia, and ultimately Jelsa, and no one else.

Noting that Jelsa is one of the richer communities, and that there is no reason or excuse not to bring it to a higher level and not to “step further and penetrate deeper into the sphere of independence and self-reliance”. “This cannot be achieved without money and strong finances,” President Milanović stressed, adding that we must be aware of our interests. “We must know what we want and do not want as a nation, what we will not meddle in, and simply stand firm on our ground, knowing where we belong, as well as our goals and how to achieve them,” the President said, referring to the use of European funds.

In that regard, he indicated that the European Union does not finance economic development. “That’s not the concept. Those who decide on and allocate that money would create competition outside their own states. People have selfish instincts and are cautious about where they spend their money. This will not last much longer, I want to stress that. This is the platinum age of euro finances, and Croatia joined at the most optimal time. This era will come to an end, and what comes after remains uncertain,” President Milanović cautioned.

Speaking at the special session besides President Milanović were the president of Jelsa Municipal Council, Jure Gurdulić, the head of the Municipality of Jelsa, Marija Marjan and the delegate of the Prime Minister and member of the Croatian Parliament, Krunoslav Katičić. Alongside President Milanović were the Adviser to the President for Education Jadranka

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Dario Andrišek