President Milanović in Sveta Nedelja: Croatia must secure a position in which it will be stronger and less dependent on others’ money
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović attended a special session of the Town Council of Sveta Nedelja, which was held on Friday on the occasion of Municipal Day celebrations.
On that occasion, he pointed out that ten years have passed since Croatia’s EU accession and a realistic assessment needs to be made of that period. President Milanović said that EU membership was the only choice, but it’s important to consider the achievements more objectively. “Now is the time to see if everything is truly great since we joined the EU, being aware that it was the only choice. When you have one choice it’s not good; however, we would make the same choice again, but we need to approach everything in a more objective manner,” he said.
The President of the Republic commended Sveta Nedelja for successfully absorbing EU funds and said the central government should follow its example because the state lags behind in fund absorption. However, he warned that the time to develop with the EU’s financial support is limited as Croatia could soon be considered too developed for the support. “If we continue to develop like this, by the end of this decade we will lose the right to European funds because we will allegedly be too developed for that. Everything is going in that direction,” said the President, who also emphasized that EU-funded projects do not ensure long-term financial prosperity.
He also warned of the danger of Croatia finding itself in the same situation as other European countries that have lost the right to financial support because they have become too developed. President Milanović therefore underlined the need to properly utilise EU funds in order to ensure the country’s long-term development. “When the flow of money from EU funds stops, we risk finding ourselves in the same situation as some other states, which is that you spent what you had, after which they treat you as an adult, you are no longer entitled to child’s allowance, because what we are receiving now is child’s allowance. That’s what awaits us,” said the President.
President Milanović underscored that we are also faced with global changes, instability and more expensive energy, and sustainable development requires a more affordable and available energy. He concluded his address by expressing his commitment to addressing Croatia’s problems. “It’s up to me to try and care about Croatia’s problems and worries together with those who want that. We must secure a position in which we will be stronger and less dependent on others’ money. Problems remain and we won’t solve them if we all keep quiet about them,” he emphasized.
Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Energy and Climate Julije Domac was alongside President Milanović.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta