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2003-02-23
Croatia has applied to join the EU. The bigger and
stronger the EU, the better the chance is to say no to FFU.
John
IP/03/272 Brussels, 21 February 2003 Statement by President Prodi on the presentation of Croatia's application for membership of the European Union The very good news has reached me here in Skopje, where I am on an official visit, that Croatia, another country in the Balkans region, has presented its application for membership of the European Union. This is a powerful signal of hope in future development, stability and growth and for peaceful coexistence throughout the region. It shows that this region, which is an integral part of Europe, is resolved to set behind it forever the dramas and traumas of its recent past. Only once the Balkan countries are members can the Union's enlargement and Europe's reorganisation be considered complete, and only then will the founding fathers' vision of peace and prosperity have come true, perhaps even beyond their wildest dreams. The road that lies ahead will not be easy. These countries will be asked to bring themselves into line with Community standards. I am thinking not just of technical and economic criteria, but also of political and social standards, starting with the acceptance of our heritage of civil and social freedoms and respect for human rights -- so fundamental to our identity as Europeans -- in the full awareness of the bonds of mutual solidarity that bind all our Member States together. Joining the European Union implies changing the course of one's history -- because the European Union is a true Union, not merely an area of technical and economic integration. But the Balkan countries will not walk that road alone. Meeting those goals will demand steadfast determination on their part and a full and sincere commitment by us. The outcome will depend on the efforts of both sides.
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