Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that Europe will protect the Schengen area, which is constantly being tested. Speaking to Zagreb, the committee chairman explained: Schengen is a matter of commitment and mutual trust, “Within the region we depend on each other, but we know that we can trust and count on you,” said Ursula von der Leyen. The President of the European Commission highlighted:
The euro is the second most important currency in the world and one of the most important European achievements, which makes European countries stronger in the world
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic affirmed: January 1, 2023 is a historic day in which, according to him, Croatia’s strategic political goals were achieved, and it is unique in terms of its accession to the for the eurozone and the to the Schengen area – It is now one of 15 European countries that are members of these two integration projects and NATO.
Croatia does not build a border fence and adheres to this principle.
The head of government confirmed that the police are ready to protect the external borders of the European Union and the Schengen area, which is more than 1,350 kilometers long.
“Europe is our home”
The Slovenian president, who attended the event, expressed his happiness with the steps of Croatia’s accession, stressing that integration is the only viable path for Europe and the countries of the Western Balkans. “Europe is our home. It is our duty to protect this home and make it comfortable,” said Natasha Burke-Mossar.
The Slovenian president stated that history can connect and separate nations, but in this region there has already been a lot of separation: “I welcome that there will be no borders between Slovenia and Croatia again. I am really happy about that.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote in his statement: These two steps symbolize the vitality of the European project.
With you, the eurozone will be able to protect its citizens more vigorously and promote Europe in the world
said the French president. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, welcomed on Twitter Croatia’s accession to the eurozone and the Schengen area. He congratulated the Croatian Prime Minister for his government’s reforms and for helping Croatia to integrate. Metsola writes that the European Parliament welcomes all those who meet the conditions for accession.
The European Commission also welcomed Croatia on Twitter, the 20th country to introduce the euro. “Goodbye Kona, hello Euro!” – wrote the Council, noting that the single European currency facilitates travel and business activities in Croatia, as well as enhances the country’s macroeconomic stability and resilience.
Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party faction, also called Croatia’s accession great and congratulated Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and all Croatian citizens: “The strength of Croatia means a stronger Europe and the interests of all citizens,” he wrote in his statement, which was summed up by MTI.
(Cover photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Slovenian President Nataša Berk-Musar, and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic hold a press conference at the Brzegana/Obriće border crossing between Croatia and Slovenia on January 1, 2023. Photo: Damir Cencar/AFP)
