"That needs to be done in such a way and dynamics that are agreed to with the European Commission (EC). Europe is a zone of partnership and cooperation and our citizens expect welfare from the European Union (EU) and not sanctions. I personally advocate that the law be changed and that its application be in line with what the EU accepts", Josipovic said commenting on the EC's announcement to put into motion sanction mechanisms against Croatia because of the so-called "Lex Perkovic" case.

The president underscored that the entire affair which is bringing Croatia into a dispute with the EU also stirs up discussions on some domestic matters.

"If we open these matters then we have to prepare them well and I hope that that will happen. That is our relationship toward the past, not just recent but further back to World War II and on to this very day", he told reporters after a round table discussion in his office marking National Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women".

"This is serious topic which needs to be approached responsibly and if it is opened then principles need to be made clear - expertise and in those cases which are not just a discussion of the past but judicial cases fall in the realm of the judiciary and not politics", Josipovic said.

Asked if he expected sanctions to be imposed against Croatia, Josipovic said that he hoped that this would not happen and that the Sabor and government would adopt the law so that these sanctions were not imposed after all.