The signing of Croatia's Treaty of Accession to the European Union is the crown of the country's efforts to gain recognition for its position in the international community and Croatia is returning to the family of European nations where it has always belonged, Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor said at the treaty-signing ceremony in Brussels on Friday.
"The signing of the treaty is the climax of our international recognition, and the country's EU membership marks the completion of a transformation process," Kosor said, thanking all who participated in negotiations between Zagreb and Brussels.
The PM recalled that Croatia's accession negotiations were much more complex than the previous ones, adding that Croatia's example was proof that reforms paid.
Croatia is opening the door to the EU also for other countries in the region, she said, adding that Croatia would share its experience with its neighbours.
Croatia is aware of all problems the EU is faced with and knows that solutions can be found through joint decisions, she said.
"Croatia is a new reliable partner willing to help."
"Croatia is returning home, to the family of European nations where it has always belonged, and the Croatian language is becoming the 24th official EU language," Kosor said, expressing confidence that Croatians would support the country's EU entry in a referendum by a vast majority.
"I am proud to greet my Croatia, from Vukovar to Dubrovnik. I am proud to be a part of this historic moment. Long live our only and eternal Croatia, long live and prosper the European Union," Kosor said concluding her address.
