ISSN 1334-7047 CROATIAN GOVERNMENT BULLETIN VOLUME XII DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40

Croatia chaired UN Security Council

Justice And Home Affairs - Rijeka-Zagreb-Budapest Interview: EU And Western Balkans Motorway Opened Damir Polančec Republic of Croatia Facts and figures Zagreb

Rijeka Osijek Adriatic Sea The Adriatic sea got its name from an ancient port of the same name. The Adriatic spans from the Balkan to the Apennine peninsula. The part belonging to the Republic of Croatia is the eastcoast which Land area 56.542 sq. km extends all the way from Prevlaka Geographical position in the south to cape Savudrija Croatia extends from the furthest Territorial waters area in the west,including all islands, eastern edges of the Alps in the 31.000 sq. km islets and cliffs along the coast,and north-west to the Pannonian the archipelago of Palagruza (the lowlands and the banks of the Length of coastline number of islands, islets and cliffs is Danube in the east; its central region (with islands) more than 1700). is covered by the Dinara mountain 5.790 km This is a unique area in Europe range, and its southern parts extend Length of terrestrial border for cruising with motor boats, Zadar to the coast of the Adriatic Sea. speedboats, or sailboats, but also 1.777,7 km for enjoying the underwater world. Highest peak Dinara (1.831 m above sea level) Number of islands 1.185 (66 inhabited) Population Split (census 2001.) 4.381,352 Capital Zagreb (779.145 inhabitants) Religions Roman Catholic, Serbian Orthodox, Islamic, Jewish, Protestant and others Currency kuna (1 kuna = 100 lipa) Dubrovnik Language Croatian CROATIAN GOVERNMENT BULLETIN

IMPRESSUM Croatia In Focus CONTENT December/January 2009 | No. 40

Publisher 8 Croatia chaired UN Security Council in December 2008 PM Sanader’s Government of the Republic of Croatia, Office for Public Relations 16 Foreign Minister`s Diplomatic Tour 10000 Zagreb, Trg sv Marka 2 Review of tel: +385 1 45 69 248, 20 Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Tour fax: +385 1 45 69 393, 63 03 022 2008 www.vlada.hr 23 President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič on official visit to Croatia Editor in chief Sandra Puhovski 24 Energy Development Strategy [email protected] 25 Economic Policy of Croatia in 2009 Dear Reader, Staff We entered the year 2008 on a wave of support by the Croatian voters – receiving a majority of 27 Rijeka-Zagreb-Budapest Motorway opened votes at the parliamentary elections, and consequently the mandate for establishing a coalition Suzana Kovačević, Jasna Sruk Vlah, Government, which was confirmed by the Croatian Parliament a year ago. Dubravka Belas, Ida Ćosić, Igor Žarković, 28 Interview with Damir Polančec Martina Mance, Paula Popravak, Since then, we held around 60 sessions of government and sent more than 120 legislative Vesna Lončar, Daniela Valić, proposals for parliamentary procedure. However, our achievements are not only expressed in 30 News Flash these statistics, but rather in our dedication to further advance the prosperity of Croatia and all Antonija Gelo, Antun Čajkovac, her citizens. Tomislav Šimičević, Zoran Šimunić, 36 Justice and Home Affairs - EU and Western Balkans Ivana Zlomislić Securing the standard of living 38 Completion of Phare 2005 Twinning Light Project Translation The main task of the new government was to safeguard our citizens’ standard of living. After many years of negotiations we reached an agreement on the Act on the Minimum Wage. We Slađana Butković 40 57 Products Branded ˝Croatian Island Product˝ also raised the income tax exemption from 1,600 to 1,800 Kuna. Throughout the year natural gas prices remained stable, and the price of electricity did not increase until summer. Since Proofreader 42 Krijesnica - a Tiny Light Of Hope this increase, we have been subsidising the price of electricity for more than fifty percent of households, aiding those who need assistance the most. We have also continued with our Danijela Šegedin 44 Interliber - Zagreb Bookish Olympics repayment of debt to pensioners – 950 million Kuna worth of debt was repaid in December, and Christmas bonuses to both pensioners and government employees were paid out.

Art editor 46 The Beauty of Freedom Demijan Bačić Croatia is an open economy, and as such we are also exposed to international processes. The global financial and economic crisis inevitably affected our country, as well. However, due to 48 Turopolje’s Eleven Wooden Beauties the macroeconomic stability achieved over the last four years, Croatia was prepared to weather Layout and design the storm. The Government also took prompt actions, like increasing the deposit amounts Massol design&marketing 50 Nautical tourism guaranteed by the state, which consolidated the stability of Croatia’s financial system. www.massol.hr In integral part of our efforts to strengthen Croatia’s economy is the preparation of our new 54 The Days of Croatian Tourism energy strategy, aimed at securing energy supply, increasing the competitiveness of the system Print and bringing about sustainable energy development. In line with this strategy, we have decided Kersch Offset 56 Opatija - Queen of tourism to separate the natural gas business, thus keeping procurement and distribution under state

Edition 58 Sport News Flash 1500 PM Sanader’s Review of 2008 PM Sanader’s Review of 2008

ownership. Croatia’s new energy strategy, which will cover the next 10 years of energy become a full member of the most successful alliance of Western democracies. We development and investment, will soon be sent to the Parliament for adoption, and expect to complete the accession process before the next NATO Summit in Strasbourg will signify a new chapter in our efforts to be as energy independent as possible. and Kehl, on 3 and 4 April 2009, when the Alliance will celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Shipbuilding was also one of the crucial issues that marked the year. On 12 January The last year also brought to Croatia a clear timeline for completing the accession 2008, the same day the Government was confirmed by Parliament, more than 1,500 negotiations with the European Union. Taking into account Croatia’s achievements, creditors voted for a new bankruptcy plan for the shipyard Viktor Lenac, thus ending the European Commission issued a Road Map for completing the negotiations during the shipyard’s five-year long agony. With this, a new hope was brought to more than a 2009, based on the fulfilment of the conditions for membership. thousand workers employed in Viktor Lenac. We want to bring this same hope to other shipyards, which require restructuring through the process of privatization. These conditions relate to the adoption and implementation of the acquis communitaire, and it is our firm belief that the progress of the negotiations should Infrastructural projects were also continued: the Rijeka-Zagreb motorway, which be, and will be, based on these premises. From its part, Croatia is ready to fulfil these was started in 1970, was put into operation in its full length of 146.5 km. After criteria. seventeen years, trains once again operate on the Vinkovci-Osijek line, and we have started reconstruction of the Vinkovci-Tovarnik-State Border line. The newly-opened In that framework, we are committed to continuing key reforms, like the reform of the motorway section, Šestanovec-Ravča, brings us 40 km closer to our final aim – linking judiciary and the public administration. This also includes the fight against corruption Croatia’s continental parts to our Adriatic coast, including Dubrovnik. In doing so, we and organised crime. During the testing moments of 2008 that tested our resolve, we will open new perspectives for tourism development, stimulate the development of showed our resolution in fighting all forms of crime. In this context, two new ministers economic zones and increase employment in the south of Croatia. joined the Government and brought their experience and professionalism to our common efforts. Advancing Croatia’s strategic goals Looking at 2009 Croatia also remained very active in the international arena. The visit of U.S. President George W. Bush to Croatia confirmed our developed and friendly relations, and Our achievements, but also the overall experience collected in 2008, give us additional demonstrated the strong partnership between Croatia and the United States of strength to face the challenges the lie ahead of us in 2009. These challenges are not America. The visit illustrated our important role on the global scene and our position simple, yet they also provide us with an opportunity to renew our commitment to as an unavoidable factor and trusted partner in this part of Europe. It also sent a clear work together in securing Croatia’s future. message to other countries in the region: a credible approach to reforms brings about tangible results. A future of inclusion and prosperity for all our citizens. A future in which every citizen, and Croatian society as a whole, will have the opportunity to develop all their In the midst of our two-year mandate, Croatia assumed the presidency of the UN potentials. A future in which Croatia will be an integral part of the family of Western Security Council in December 2008. Advancing a policy of cooperation, instead of democracies, as a full member of the EU and NATO. confrontation, in international relations, we contributed to world peace and security. Our membership in the UN Security Council was also recognition of the profound To that end, I will continue to invest my greatest effort and dedication. Our goals are transformation of Croatia, from a consumer to a net contributor to international ambitious, as they should be, and for Croatia to achieve these goals we must all work security. During my participation at the UN General Assembly in September, as well together. I am convinced that we will be successful, and that 2009 will prove to be a as in the UN Security Council meetings I chaired in December, I had the opportunity historic year for Croatia and her citizens. to sense the difference Croatia can make by sharing with others our experience in advancing the ideals of freedom, peace and democracy. Dr. Ivo Sanader

The year 2008 was especially marked by the invitation to join NATO, one of the strategic goals of our foreign policy. At the NATO Summit in Bucharest, Croatia was invited to CROATIA CHAIRED UN SECURITY COUNCIL CROATIA CHAIRED UN SECURITY COUNCIL

Croatia chaired UN Security Council in December 2008

n 1 December, little more December agenda of the coun- rorism at the forthcoming the- The United Nations Security “We can resist such a threat only terrorism, stressing the need Othan a year after winning cil was presented by Croatia’s matic discussion of the United Council on 9 December opened globally,” he stressed, calling for for better coordination among a seat on the United Nations ambassador to the UN, Neven Nations Security Council on this a thematic discussion on threats broad international solidarity to different UN anti-terrorism pro- Security Council as a non-per- Jurica. On 9 December 2008, topic, and will join in appeals for to international peace and se- secure a successful response to grammes to achieve the best manent member, Croatia as- Croatia hosted a thematic de- more efforts to be invested in curity caused by terrorist acts. the threat of terrorism. possible effect. “The UN Security sumed the one-month rotating bate on “Global Security and In- removing conditions which have Among the participants in the Council should lead in the fight presidency of the UN Security ternational Terrorism”, drawing led to the appearance of terror- discussion was UN Secretary- In his address, Secretary-Gener- against terrorism, but other UN Council, after Costa Rica. By this on Croatia’s chairmanship of the ism”, Croatian President Stjepan General Ban Ki-moon and open- al Ban Ki-Moon said that the UN elements should also be involved act, the Republic of Croatia, as a Counter-Terrorism Committee. Mesic said in New York where ing remarks were delivered had an obligation to conduct the through capacity building, eco- non-permanent Security Coun- Apart from that, Croatia faced he was in an official visit on the by Croatian President Stjepan global fight against the threat of nomic development, education cil member, will enter the most a series of other activities as the occasion of the December sitting Mesić, who was presiding over terrorism. He also recalled the and eliminating the conditions important period of its two-year chairing country. by the UN Security Council. “Ter- the discussion. “The events that recent terrorist attacks in Mum- of which terrorists and extrem- membership in this executive rorist attacks in Mumbai have occurred in Mumbai about ten bai and those that targeted UN ists take advantage”, Khalilzad body of the UN. As the presid- demonstrated that terrorism is a days ago confirmed in an ex- staff. said. He called on all countries to ing nation Croatia has the right President Mesić: global threat. The world must be tremely tragic way that terrorism closely cooperate in creating an to propose to other Security Terrorism is a global united in endeavors to stop not is a global threat. Not a threat to US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad environment that will not favour Council members topics related threat only perpetrators but also those this or that country, but to us all - said that the US strongly sup- terrorism. The United States to stability and peace in the in- “Croatia will try to contribute to who orchestrate and finance ter- a threat to peace and security in ported the central role of the urged all countries to deny safe ternational community. The the global struggle against ter- rorism,” added President Mesić. the world,” said President Mesić. UN in the global fight against haven to terrorists and to bring

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Addressing the UN Security forts to establish international Central role of the reflects the coordinated views Council debate on terrorism, relations based on equality and of all 15 Security Council mem- Croatian President Stjepan Mesić demonopolising the fight against UN in the global fight bers, was read out by Croatian called for the promotion of glo- terrorism and its universality against terrorism President Stjepan Mesić. Coun- bal solidarity and trust in com- based on restored international The United Nations Security tries were called upon to bring to bating global terrorism, dealing solidarity and trust. “We see the Council issued a presidential justice the perpetrators, accom-

to justice those that plan, fi- efforts in organising the debate nance, facilitate or commit acts and preparing the Presidential of terrorism. British Ambassador Statement on Terrorism. They John Sawers praised President also commended President Mesić as one of the first world Mesić personally for taking part leaders to call for coordinated in- in the debate and for his consist- ternational action against terror- ent calls for coordinated inter- ism and for selecting terrorism national efforts to counter - ter as the theme of the discussion in rorism and the conditions that the Security Council before the generate it. Mumbai attacks as a confirma- The theme “Threats to interna- tion of his constancy of vision tional peace and security caused and commitment to that fight. by terrorist acts” was selected The Mumbai attacks are an at- by Croatia, which presides over tack on us all, Sawers said, calling the UN Security Council in De- on Pakistan to cooperate with In- cember. In selecting the topic, dia in bringing those responsible Croatia relied on its presidency to justice. of the Counter-Terrorism Com- mittee, one of the Security Coun- Russian Ambassador Vitaly Chur- cil’s subsidiary bodies that moni- kin said that the UN should en- tors the implementation in UN sure firm political leadership and member states of anti-terrorist with the roots of terrorism and key role of the United Nations in statement expressing deep con- plices and organisers of terrorist international coordination in measures introduced by relevant giving the UN the central role in that. The UN must be the place cern about continued terrorist acts. combating terrorism through the UN resolutions. Since the recent that fight. According to President from where, at least politically, acts around the world and calling Security Council and its subsidi- attacks in Mumbai have brought Mesić, the only right answer to all efforts will be coordinated, upon UN members to renew the The statement stressed the cen- ary bodies such as the Counter- to the fore the subject of global the question as to how to coun- first to suppress and then to level of solidarity demonstrated tral role of the United Nations in Terrorism Committee. terrorism, 25 countries applied ter the threat of terrorism to in- eradicate terrorism in the world after the 9/11 attacks on the the global fight against terror- for the debate in addition to ternational security lies in turn- and to reduce it to incidental United States and to redouble ism and urged countries to join All speakers commended Croatia the 15 Security Council member ing to its deeper causes, insisting occurrence,” President Mesić their efforts in countering global international conventions relat- for selecting the theme of the states. on development, increasing ef- stressed. terrorism. The statement, which ing to terrorism. Countries were discussion and for its tireless

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also called upon to strengthen PM Sanader thanked Great Britain fully crisis in the country and to do ical and economic stability in the supporting the Israeli-Palestin- cooperation in locating safe ha- what is best for the people, Ban country. The UN Security Council ian peace process began in An- vens for terrorists and to arrest, Croatian Americans supports Croatia Ki-Moon said at a closed-door has been hoping for a long time napolis in 2007, and called for prosecute or extradite people for their help to Great Britain supports Croatia session of the UN Security Coun- that the current regime in Zim- resuming negotiations next year, aiding and abetting in the financ- Croatia and wants to see it complete its cil which was attended by US babwe will change its attitude even after the end of the terms ing, planning, preparation or Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sa- EU entry talks as soon as possi- Secretary of State Condoleezza to the people and the opposi- of Israeli and Palestinian leaders, execution of terrorist acts or in nader, who was chairing UN Se- ble, Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Rice and Britain’s Secretary of tion, PM Sanader said. We hope in order to achieve a solution harbouring terrorists. The presi- curity Council sessions on 15 and Sanader said after talks with Brit- State for Foreign and Common- that this session of the UN Secu- with the two states, Israel and dential statement also said that 16 December, met representa- ish Secretary of State for Foreign wealth Affairs, David Miliband. rity Council will help bring about Palestine. the promotion and protection of tives of the Croat community in and Commonwealth Affairs David The UN Secretary-General said those changes in the attitude of human rights for all and the rule New York on 14 December, to Miliband in New York on 15 De- that the first step should be in- the current regime, he added. The resolution was adopted at a of law were crucial to an effec- whom he spoke about Croatia’s cember. sistence on the establishment of ministerial session presided over tive anti-terrorist strategy. The anticipated admission to NATO, Apart from the EU, the two of- a government of national unity. British Foreign Secretary David by Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Security Council reminded states its European Union membership ficials also discussed bilateral that they have to bring terror- talks and partnership with the issues, Britain’s ratification of a ism prevention measures into United States, and other issues. protocol on Croatia’s admission accord with their obligations un- Around 500 Croats living in the into NATO and the Zimbabwe cri- der international law, particularly area of New York attended a sis, which is included in the agen- those relating to human rights, mass at the Croatian Roman da of the UN Security Council at refugee rights and humanitarian Catholic parish of SS. Cyril and the proposal of Great Britain. law. Methodius and the subsequent “I underlined that Croatia ex- pects the protocol on its joining meeting with the Croatian PM. The Security Council reaffirmed NATO to be ratified as soon as possible because the procedure that terrorism, in all its forms and Addressing his hosts, PM Sanader has been completed and all that manifestations, represents one recalled a visit by US President is missing is the signature on the of the most serious threats to George Bush to Croatia in April ratification document,” PM Sa- international peace and security this year and his speech in St. nader said, expressing hope that and said that all acts of terrorism Mark’s Square in Zagreb, when other NATO member states would are criminal and without justifica- he said that America and all NATO follow this example which would tion, regardless of their motives. member-states would be at enable Croatia become a full Croatia’s side, which PM Sanader member of NATO in April 2009. Croatian Prime said would significantly change Minister Chaired the course of history. “I am con- The meeting took place ahead of fident that the new President UN Security Council the UN Security Council session Barack Obama will continue with Sessions dedicated to the Zimbabwe crisis. President of the Government of the same policy towards Croatia, the Republic of Croatia Ivo Sa- and Croatia remains committed Ban Ki-Moon: Living nader visited New York in the to its partnership with the United Zimbabwe, which has been Miliband said after the session Sanader, who stressed that the mid December where he chaired States,” PM Sanader said. in Zimbabwe has ruled by President Robert Mu- that the UN Security Council current peace process offered UN Security Council sessions Speaking about “a new paradigm become unbearable gabe since 1980, is in a state hoped its session would mark the best chances of achieving dedicated to Israeli-Palestinian of being Croat”, PM Sanader said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- of collapse with ten years of the beginning of its renewed peace and that, therefore, one peace process, crises in Zimba- that it transcended historical di- Moon said that living in Zimba- recession behind and a politi- involvement in Zimbabwe that could not allow losing momen- bwe and piracy on the coast of visions in the Croatian nation, bwe had become unbearable due cal blockade which is a result would continue in the coming tum and that the Annapolis proc- Somalia. During his staying in was oriented towards the future to the failure of the country’s of failed negotiations on the weeks. He warned that Zimba- ess should be brought to a suc- New York Croatian Prime Min- and always put national interests leadership to dedicate itself to division of powers between bwe was experiencing disinte- cessful conclusion. ister met with British Secretary above party interests and poli- settling the country’s political, Mugabe and Opposition leader gration of state institutions and of State for Foreign and Com- tics. Thanking Croatian Ameri- economic and humanitarian cri- Morgan Tsvangirai. an economic collapse, as well as The peace process deserves the monwealth Affairs David Mili- cans for their help to Croatia dur- sis, and warned that up to 60,000 a collapse of health and educa- full support of the UN Security band, UN Secretary-General ing the Homeland War, Croatian people could be affected by a The session was chaired by tional institutions. Council so that a solution could Ban Ki-moon, US Secretary of Prime Minister stressed that he cholera epidemic, which has al- Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sa- be implemented with the two State Condoleezza Rice and Rus- would not be sitting in the UN Se- ready killed 978 people. We are nader, who told reporters that Resolution on Israeli- states, democratic Palestine liv- sian Minister for Foreign Affairs curity Council on Monday if it had continuing to witness the failure the situation in Zimbabwe was Palestinian peace ing by democratic Israel, which Sergey Lavrov. PM Sanader also not been for the unity of Croats of the leaders of Zimbabwe to deteriorating by the day, and process should lead to lasting and com- met representatives of the Croat living in Croatia and the emigrant deal with the political, economic, that the UN Security Council was The UN Security Council on 16 prehensive peace in the Middle community in New York. community. humanitarian and human rights working towards achieving polit- December adopted a resolution East, said PM Sanader.

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priate response was a multina- more than 100 attacks alongside Middle East peace process and tional force (MNF), rather than a Somali coast and in the Gulf of piracy in Somalia, adding that typical peacekeeping operation. Aden since the beginning of this Ban Ki-moon praised Croatia for Secretary-General said he had year, and Somali pirates hold at its excellent presidency of the approached 50 countries and least 17 ships at the moment. UN Security Council this month. three international organizations for contributions to such a force. PM Sanader met The meeting with US Secretary He added that the council could with Ban Ki-moon, of State Condoleezza Rice con- explore the possibility of set- centrated on bilateral relations, ting up a maritime task force or Condoleezza Rice including the possibility of the adding to the current anti-piracy and Sergei Lavrov United States lifting the visa re- operations a quick reaction com- Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sa- quirements for Croatian citizens. ponent. nader met with UN Secretary- The need was stressed for urgent General Ban Ki-moon, US Secre- consultations between the two Indonesia’s UN Ambassador Mar- tary of State Condoleezza Rice governments on the matter. ty Natalegawa however made it and Russian Foreign Minister clear that the fight against piracy Sergei Lavrov on the margins of The Croatian PM talked with Rus- and armed robbery off the coast Security Council sessions on the sian Foreign Minister Lavrov dur- of Somalia needs to be under- Middle East and Somalia. ing a working lunch at the UN. taken in full compliance with in- They concluded that it was in the ternational law, in particular the PM Sanader said that his talks interests of both Croatia and the United Nations Convention on with the UN Secretary-General Russian Federation to further the Law of the Sea. focused on topics of interest to promote bilateral relations and Resolution on This is the fourth resolution tance of building up of legal tools The pirates have carried out the UN, including Zimbabwe, the intensify high-level meetings. on fighting piracy at sea off So- to use against piracy. Somalia malia’s coast which has been The UN Security Council unani- adopted by the Security Coun- Secretary of State Rice said that mously adopted a resolution cil since the beginning of 2008 the Resolution is a strong signal calling on the international com- and the first one that authorizes for fighting piracy in Somalia and munity to actively take part in countries to conduct operations ending impunity of Somali pi- the fight against pirates operat- on land in Somalia. The resolu- rates. She also announced that ing in waters of Somalia. tion was adopted at the ministe- United States of America intend Resolution1851, proposed by rial session presided by Croatian to work with partners to set up the United States of America, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, a contact group on Somali piracy authorizes for one year states, which was attended by UN Sec- and underscored the importance regional and international or- retary-General Ban Ki-moon, US of addressing the root cause ganizations, cooperating in the Secretary of State Condoleezza of the Somali piracy problem, fight against piracy and armed Rice, Russian foreign minister referring to the insecurity and robbery at sea off Somalia’s Sergey Lavrov, British foreign lawlessness in the Horn of Af- coast, to undertake all necessary minister David Miliband and Chi- rica nation. She said that though measures appropriate in Soma- nese vice-minister of foreign af- Washington was committed to lia for the purpose of fighting fairs He Yafei. continuing backing the African piracy. The resolution also calls Union force in Somalia, it was upon states and international PM Sanader stated that the dis- time to authorize a UN peace- organizations to establish an in- cussion had brought out the keeping operation in the country ternational cooperation mecha- inter-linkages between the insta- In his remarks, Ban Ki-moon wel- nism to act as a common point bility in Somalia, the explosion comed the council’s actions to of contact between and among of piracy in the area, and inter- combat Somali piracy and said he states on all aspects of combat- national peace and security and would submit recommendations ing piracy and armed robbery development. It also brought on ways to ensure the long-term at sea off Somalia’s coast and to out the severe impact of piracy security of international naviga- consider creating a center in the on Somalia itself. “The meeting tion off the coast of Somalia. But region to coordinate information has strengthened international he stressed the need to address relevant to piracy off the coast of efforts against the scourge”, said the broader security challenge in Somalia. PM Sanader stressing the impor- Somalia. He said the most appro-

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Croatia’s efforts and progress integration process. He pointed pointed out that the CEI is cur- have also been recognized in the out that the CEI, as the oldest rently experiencing a dynamic European Commission’s Progress regional initiative, has always implementation of the main Report. They arranged for coop- been an instrument of regional regional cooperation goals, sin- eration and the transfer of Po- stability and progress. “Through gling out the development of Foreign Minister`s land’s experiences in shipbuild- their action, the CEI member good-neighbourly relations, po- ing reconstruction, agriculture, countries have affirmed it as a litical and economic coopera- and informing the public about forum for exchanging the expe- tion, democratic society devel- the positive effects of joining the riences and knowledge in acced- opment, and cultural exchange. EU. Noting the state of affairs in ing to the EU”, said Jandroković. He noted that Croatia is entering Diplomatic Tour South Eastern Europe, the two He stood up for strong and part- the last cycle of the EU member- ministers pointed out the impor- nership relations between the ship negotiations, expressing tance of the Euro-Atlantic per- CEI and the EU members. In that satisfaction with the latest Eu- spective as a guarantee of peace, regard, he pointed out the mem- ropean Commission’s Progress Report, which commended Excelent relations Jandroković thanked the Cyprian Demetris Chrystofias and Presi- Croatia’s progress and defined side for the support for Croatia’s dent of the House of Representa- a framework timetable for the completion of the negotiations between Croatia and EU accession process, point- tives Marios Garoyian. Cyprus ing out that Cyprus’ experience by end-2009. Minister of Foreign Affairs and could prove valuable in certain He expressed his firm belief Euro-Atlantic that the success of Croatia’s European Integration Gordan critical stages of the accession perspective is a Jandroković paid 23 and 24 No- process. negotiations will have a signifi- vember 2008 an official visit There is room for intensifying the guarantee of peace cant effect on all of the region’s to the Republic of Cyprus. The economic cooperation, namely and stability countries that wish to follow meeting between Minister in tourism, as evidenced by the Minister Jandroković was also the European standards. As Jandroković and his host, Cyprian great interest in the charter line on an official visit to the Re- regards regional cooperation, Minister Jandroković pointed Foreign Minister Markos Kyprian- introduced last year, that one a public of Poland26 November out Croatia’s dedication to the ou focused on the two countries’ week flew from Cyprus’ capital 2008, where he met with Polish continuous enhancement of bilateral relations, economic co- to Dubrovnik. There is room for President Lech Kaczynski, Sejm the bilateral relations with the operation, European integration, improvement in other branches Marshal Bronislaw Komorowski, countries in the region and the and the current state of nego- of economy as well. Croatia has a Senate Speaker Bogdan Borusze- continuing participation in all of tiations on the Cyprus issue. It trade surplus with Cyprus, while wicz, and his host, Foreign Min- the regional initiatives. “In that was concluded that the relations this year’s overall trade, in rela- ister Radoslaw Sikorski. Review- stability, and economic develop- bership perspective as the best context, Croatia wishes to be a between Croatia and Cyprus tion to the same period last year, ing the two countries’ bilateral ment. guarantee of political stability constructive partner and share are excellent, with both sides is on the rise. relations, ministers Jandroković Minister Jandroković was also and economic progress for all of its experiences in the EU acces- encouraging that the political Minister Jandroković was also received by Polish President Lech the region’s countries. and Sikorski described them as sion process with the CEI mem- consultations continue. Minister received by Cyprian President Kaczynski, who confirmed the Minister Jandroković said Croatia very good and friendly, with a bers, whereby the exchange of strong support for Croatia’s swift supports the CEI reorganization, possibility of further improve- positive experiences should re- entry into NATO and the EU, as aimed at responding to the new ment, especially in economy. main the main goal of the CEI”, well as by Sejm Marshal Bronis- geopolitical challenges in the re- Minister Jandroković pointed concluded Minister Jandroković. out that Croatia appreciates law Komorowski and Senate gion. He expressed Croatia’s sup- Poland’s continuous and firm Speaker Bogdan Boruszewicz. port for the introduction of new North Atlantic support for its EU and NATO ac- cooperation instruments and cession, thanking Poland for the Croatia supports mechanisms, which will facili- Council Meeting ratification of Croatia’s NATO CEI reorganization tate the exchange of knowledge Croatian Minister of Foreign Af- fairs and European Integration Accession Protocol. Speaking On 27 November 2008 minis- and experiences between the Gordan Jandroković participated about Croatia’s EU accession, he ter Jandroković participated in member countries and stimulate 2 and 3 December 2008 in the informed his host about the state the ministerial meeting of the activities in areas of common in- terest. meeting of the North Atlantic of the process and the activities Central European Initiative (CEI) On the second day of his visit to Council at the NATO Headquar- undertaken, emphasizing that members in Chisinau, the Repub- the Republic of Moldova, Minis- ters in Brussels. At the start of Croatia remains dedicated to the lic of Moldova. In his presenta- ter Jandroković participated at the meeting, NATO Secretary realization of its goal – complet- tion, Minister Jandroković noted the Summit of the Central Euro- General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer ing the accession negotiations in the role and importance of the pean Initiative (CEI) members. In notably welcomed the heads of 2009. CEI in strengthening regional his speech, Minister Jandroković diplomacy of Croatia and Albania, The two ministers agreed that cooperation and the European

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Gordan Jandroković and Lulzim whole. Therefore, it supports way and dynamic of solving the as the measures members, pointing out that their Basha, who were participating for the deployment of the European outstanding issues. Both minis- of transpar- accession means the strengthen- the first time in a regular meeting Union EULEX mission as soon as ters described the two countries’ ency, which will ing of stability and security in the of the North Atlantic Council, as possible. Croatia advocated that relations as very good. In press contribute to region. The US-Adriatic Charter well as the new Slovenian For- NATO offers strong political sup- statements after the meeting, the decrease in has irrefutably proven its effec- eign Minister Samuel Žbogar. The port and show readiness to con- the ministers expressed their sat- civilian victims tiveness in adopting the funda- meeting discussed the progress cretely back up the future role of isfaction with this meeting hav- and bring about mental values and principles of of Ukraine and Georgia, as well the EU in Kosovo. With the aim ing taken place. It was their first a better care for NATO in South Eastern Europe, as their requests as regards the of supporting the KFOR mission, meeting after the Slovenian min- them. The sign- said Minister Jandroković, adding NATO Membership Action Plan, Croatia is sending in two trans- ister’s inauguration. ing ceremony that Croatia remains adamant in while in the context of the rela- port helicopters and 20 soldiers. Regarding the outstanding is- was attended by maintaining and strengthening tions with Russia, the meeting As a maritime country, Croatia sues with Slovenia, Minister the representa- the cooperation with and support noted Russian President Dmitry welcomes NATO’s engagement in Jandroković said that Croatia tives of the 107 for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Medvedev’s proposition regard- maintaining the navigability and wants to solve them in a mutu- countries that Montenegro, transferring its ex- ing the new European security safety of seaways, as well as the ally acceptable way, in the Euro- supported the periences gained during Croatia’s structures. European Union’s operation Ata- pean spirit, based on the princi- adoption of the Euro-integration process. The second day of meeting dis- lanta, that in December will take ples of good-neighbourliness. He where it often pointed out the C o n v e n t i o n ’s During his staying in Helsinki, cussed NATO operations, with over the same duties. Croatia added that Croatia and Slovenia importance of the obligation to- content May 2008 in Dublin, as Minister Jandroković also par- a special emphasis on ISAF and strongly supports the coopera- are close to finding that solution. wards them, as well as the neces- well as by numerous other in- ticipated in the 16th OSCE Min- Minister Žbogar pointed out that sity of clearing the polluted areas vitees. isterial Meeting. In his speech, an agreement had been reached and destroying the stockpiles. In Minister Jandroković said that on how to strengthen the trust that regard, Minister Jandroković Security, stability this year’s meeting is being held and respect between the two also pointed out the need for im- and economic at a time when OSCE is faced countries in order to facilitate plementing the Convention on a development – basic with numerous challenges. In the solving the outstanding issues. national level. He emphasized goals of Croatia’s globalized world of today, OSCE He also noted that Croatia, who that Croatia does not approve of regional policy needs to find an efficient way to will be presiding over the UN Se- the use of cluster munitions and respond to the different forms On 4 December 2008 in the Re- curity Council this month, is an has often warned about the hu- of international threats, said public of Finland, Minister of important collocutor for topics of manitarian consequences on the Jandroković, added that OSCE Foreign Affairs and European global importance as well. civilian population. Also, learning has been recognized as an effec- Integration Gordan Jandroković, from its Homeland War experience, tive mechanism of preventing together with the foreign min- Croatia was one of the first coun- and alleviating the consequences Signing the isters of the US-Adriatic Charter tries in the region to warn about the of conflicts. Convention on great danger of these weapons. members, signed the Addendum to the US-Adriatic Charter, sup- Cluster Munitions The Convention’s stipulations Security, stability, and economic Minister Jandroković signed 3 porting the accession of new require that all of the signatory development are the basic goals December 2008, on behalf of members Bosnia and Herzegovi- countries destroy the cluster of Croatia’s regional policy, said the Croatian Government, the na, and Montenegro. KFOR, as well as the problem of tion between the EU and NATO in munitions stockpile of its armed Minister Jandroković. That is Convention on Cluster Muni- The signing ceremony took place piracy around Africa’s horn and that area, especially considering forces within set deadlines. In why the Croatian Government tions in Oslo at the ceremony in after the meeting of the Charter the NATO Headquarters reform. the Croatian seamen too were order for the Convention to be is paying full attention to the Oslo, the Kingdom of Norway. In member countries, on the mar- Croatia is participating in ISAF targets of pirate attacks. Minister successfully implemented, obli- situation in Bosnia and Herze- his speech, Minister Jandroković gins of the 16th OSCE Ministe- with 277 members of the armed Jandroković also took part in the gations of international coopera- govina, and Kosovo, and espe- expressed satisfaction with the rial Meeting in Helsinki. Minister forces. Our country remains ded- foreign minister-level meeting of tion and victim assistance have cially the relations between signing of the Convention, saying Jandroković welcomed the new icated to its engagement in ISAF the NATO-Georgia Commission and also been determined, as well Croatia and Serbia, which are of that Croatian strongly supports and to assisting Afghanistan in the NATO-Ukraine Commission. extreme importance for the sta- it, as it represents an internation- establishing security and an ef- Minister of Foreign Affairs and bility of the region as a whole, al instrument that prevents the ficient central authority. Croatia European Integration Gordan said Jandroković. The Republic use, development, production, is especially interested in assist- Jandroković met 2 December of Croatia, as a non-permanent storage, and transport of cluster ance that will enable Afghani- 2008, on the margins of the Security Council member and munitions, which inflict unac- stan to independently deal with North Atlantic Council’s meeting, a country on the verge of full- ceptable damage on civilians. security issues. In the context with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the fledged EU and NATO member- The Republic of Croatia has ac- of discussing the KFOR mission Republic of Slovenia Samuel Žbogar. ship, is ready to assume its part tively participated in the Conven- in Kosovo, Croatia is aware of The two ministers exchanged of the responsibility for interna- tion preparatory meetings, espe- the importance of the stabiliza- opinions about the bilateral rela- tional security, concluded Minis- cially as regards the rehabilitation tion processes in that area for tions between Croatia and Slove- ter Gordan Jandroković. the stability of the region as a nia, as well as about the possible and reintegration of the victims,

18 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 19 PRIME MINISTER’S DIPLOMATIC TOUR PRIME MINISTER’S DIPLOMATIC TOUR Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Tour

n late November, Croatian col promptly˝, said ish PM Fredrik Reinfeldt. munautaire next year and all re- PM’s Office. They talked about I Prime Minister Ivo Sanader un- Balkenede. ˝ It will be difficult, especially forms would be carried out reso- Croatia’s negotiating process dertook a week-long diplomatic ˝We have the Neth- due to the global crisis, because lutely. He said he was glad that to the EU, about the recent Eu- tour of the Netherlands, Sweden, erlands’ full support it makes the situation within the Sweden had ratified the Treaty of ropean Commission’s Progress Germany and Austria, where he for EU membership EU difficult as well. This primarily Lisbon. Report, and exchanged opinions had meetings about Croatia’s ac- but, naturally, they refers to the mood regarding en- Sanader also met the Speaker of about the state of affairs in South cession to the European Union. expect us to meet largement, but PM Reinfeldt has the Swedish Parliament, Mr Per Eastern Europe as well. State The Netherlands, Sweden, Ger- the required criteria, assured me that Sweden is a sup- Westerberg. They agreed that Secretary Matković met with many, and Austria support which we will do˝, porter of enlargement, Sanader the relations between the two Chairman of the Swedish Parlia- Croatia on its path to the EU. said the Croatian said. ˝The changes in Croatia are countries were good and friendly, ment’s Committee on EU Affairs Croatian PM emphasised that Prime Minister. impressive and Croatia can serve and discussed possibilities of fur- Anna Kinberg Batra, as well as Croatia was ready to meet all the When asked if the as a model for Southeast Europe. ther cooperation. Sanader also with the members of the EU Af- obligations, and to implement talks addressed the The enlargement has turned out delivered a speech at Stockholm fairs Committee and the Foreign the reforms with the goal of ful- European Commis- to be the strongest driving force University on the benefits the EU Policy Committee, with whom filling the criteria for the acces- sion’s timetable for she discussed further enhancing sion to the EU. the completion of the two countries’ parliamentary PM thanked for the support Croatia’s accession cooperation,,energy and envi- Croatia was receiving on its path negotiations by the ronmental protection. The repre- to European integration. end of next year, sentatives of the parliamentary Balkenende said committees expressed their sup- they hadn’t talked port to Croatia on its path to the The Netherlands about ˝specific European integration. supports Croatia’s dates and months, and friendship, and I think that but about the process.˝ ˝The the Netherlands has done a lot Croatia belongs to accession to EU and negotiation chapters should be in supporting Croatia˝, said the NATO Prime Minister. Europe closed, and it is important for In Essen Croatian Prime Minister Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sa- Croatian PM was also received things in Croatia to be changed, Ivo Sanader gave a speech enti- nader was on an official visit to by the Queen Beatrix. and the authorities are aware tled ˝Croatia’s path towards the the Netherlands in late Novem- that all the criteria have to be ap- ber. ˝ The Netherlands supports EU – benefits for Europe˝, and plied˝, Balkenede said. once again thanked Germany for Croatia’s EU membership, but it Both Prime Ministers expressed Croatia determined must meet the criteria and con- its support to Croatia on its path their satisfaction with the meet- to complete towards European integration. ditions, such as cooperation with ing during which they also dis- for reform, as exemplified by would gain by accepting Croatia the Hague tribunal”, said Dutch negotiations during ˝I’m grateful to German Chancel- cussed bilateral relations, the Croatia’s case, said Reinfeldt, and as its 28th member. lor Angela Merkel and Foreign PM Jan Peter Balkenende after two countries’ economies, and Sweden’s EU added that Croatia’s progress can Croatian Deputy Prime Minister talks with Croatian PM Ivo Sa- presidency Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier the situation in Southeast Eu- be largely attributed to Sanader’s Damir Polančec held talks with for advocating Croatia’s admis- nader. rope. ˝I am very pleased with After visiting the Netherlands personal engagement. All in all, Swedish businessmen on possi- ˝I said to PM Sanader that we Croatian PM Ivo Sanader paid sion to the EU˝, Sanader said dur- the talks. PM Balkenede has there are 12 interesting months bilities of investing in Croatia. ing the lecture organised by the supported Croatia since we were been supporting Croatia from an official visit to the Kingdom of ahead of us, as they will show if PM Sanader was accompanied aware that Croatia was going to Sweden. ˝We are ready to do our Ruhr Political Forum. the start, and the two of us reg- we are able to complete the ne- by the State Secretary for Po- Sanader told some 1 500 peo- be a part of the EU, as well as ularly meet at the European Peo- utmost to wrap up the accession gotiations during Sweden’s EU litical Issues at the Ministry of of NATO. The ratification of the negotiations with the European ple present at the lecture that ple’s Party meetings. Balkenede presidency˝, Reinfeldt said. Foreign Affairs and European In- Croatia’s accession to the Euro- protocol on Croata’s accession was the first Dutch PM who of- Union during Sweden’s rotating Sanader announced Croatia tegration, Bianca Matković, who to NATO is already underway, presidency of the EU in the sec- pean Union was not just about ficially visited Croatia, which was would continue harmonizing its met State Secretary for the EU, the formality of joining a com- and the Netherlands would do an expression of partnership ond half of 2009˝, PM Sanader legislation with the acquis com- Marija Asenius, at the Swedish its utmost to ratify the proto- said, after having talked to Swed- munity, but that it had a histori-

20 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 21 PRIME MINISTER’S DIPLOMATIC TOUR PRESIDENT OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO CROATIA

President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič on official visit to Croatia he President of the Slovak bers. He pointed out it was par- ble with other NATO members. TRepublic, Ivan Gašparovič, ticularly important for Croatia to The Croatian PM and the Slovak paid an official visit to Croatia set a positive example for other President talked about the cur- where he met with the Croatian countries in the region. ˝The Slo- rent phase of Croatia’s EU ac- President, Stjepan Mesić. vak economy is on the right track cession negotiations. President “Bilateral relations between and I’m sure we will overcome Gašparovič said he believed that Croatia and Slovakia are ex- the global crisis. Foreign invest- the negotiations were going to tremely good, but there is a ments helped us build strong be completed as planned, reaf- challenge ahead of us, the chal- economy, so today Slovakia itself firming Slovakia’s strong support lenge of strengthening eco- can make further investments”, to Croatia in the process. They nomic cooperation, which Slo- Gašparovič said, adding that, as were also talking about the cur- vakia is greatly interested in”, a result, there was a consider- rent situation in the region and President Mesić said. ˝This is Mr able number of businessmen in Croatia’s important role in secur- cal significance for Croatia and bours. This is not in our interest. country in negotiations with the Gašparovič’s first of- ing lasting peace and its citizens. ˝In historical terms It is in our interest to see all the EU”, Sanader said, recalling that ficial visit to Croatia, stability. Croatia belongs to Europe˝, Sa- countries in the region prosper the year 2009 would be a deci- even though he has al- The Slovak President nader said. and one day join the bloc if they sive year in Croatia’s EU acces- ready paid many visits visited Split where he He added that a solution would wish so,” the Prime Minister said. sion negotiations. Sanader has to Croatia, after all he is opened the country’s be found to Ireland’s rejection Furthermore, he called for in- advocated further enlargement of Croatian origin˝, Mr first honorary con- of the Lisbon Treaty which had creased investments in Croatia. of the EU which has to take place Mesić explained. sulate. The honorary blocked the enlargement proc- The President of the state parlia- ˝regardless of the problems that He mentioned that Slovak consul in Split is ess. ˝As the Europeans we have ment of North Rhine-Westphalia, occur, or how tiring the process Croatia and Slovakia Croatian wine produc- to recall all the obstacles we Regina van Dinther, thanked the of enlargement is˝. shared geographical er Antun Plančić. have overcome so far, and I am Croatian PM for visiting Essen ˝Croatia belongs to Europe˝, Mr and cultural experienc- After that, he opened convinced there is still much and expressed conviction that Sanader said, voicing hope that es, and that it was very the Slovak-Croatian potential and creativity left for Croatia would join the EU in the the ÖVP and its partners would encouraging to see trade forum, attended tackling current problems Eu- near future. ˝ Croatia belongs to continue to support Croatia. He that so many Slovaks by some thirty Croatian rope faces˝. Croatia will ben- Europe and that is evident from promised that Croatia would wanted Croatia to be businessmen. The efit from the European Union, its past and present˝, said van see to it that the situation in the the EU member. ˝Only Slovak President reaf- Dinther. the European perspective can his delegation who were inter- firmed his strong support for as will the European Union from Balkans, which he referred to as ested not only in investing into Croatia˝, Mr Sanader said. “our neighbouring region”, be- provide stable development in Croatia’s upcoming accession to the region˝, Mesić said. He also Croatia, but in joint investments the EU saying that smaller coun- He pointed out that the invest- ÖVP supports comes stable. with Croatian companies into ments of the western companies Mr Sanader expressed his soli- stated that Croatia and Slovakia tries would get a chance to stand Croatia`s accession to needed to enhance cooperation the third world countries. up for their interests in the EU. to the new EU member states darity with the ÖVP in times of the EU in all fields, especially in the field Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sa- ˝My presence in Split is proof had helped create many jobs in crisis and called for harmony, In his speech at the convention of energy. ˝I thanked the Slovak nader arranged working lunch for of Slovak interest in cooperat- the old member states. Once saying that Croatia believed in of the Austrian People’s Party President for the ratification of Slovak President Ivan Gašparovič ing with Croatia. Slovakia has in- again he emphasised the role of cooperation rather than con- (ÖVP ) in Wels, Croatian Prime the protocol on Croatia’s acces- who paid his first official visit to vested only 196 million Slovak Croatia as the bridge between frontation. Minister Ivo Sanader stressed sion to the EU and I hope that Croatia. President Gašparovič korunas in Croatia, and it is not the EU and the countries of the ˝The entire Europe is watch- the importance of the friendship we will soon build the European restated that Slovakia strongly sufficient. Fortunately, bilateral region and stressed that rela- ing today if there is harmony in between Croatia and Austria, future together˝, Mr Mesić said. supported Croatia on its path economic cooperation has been tions between the two biggest Wels, that’s why I am here to- and thanked the Austrians for President Gašparovič said he to Euro-Atlantic integration and steadily increasing”, Gašparovič said. countries in the region were supporting Croatia in its Europe- day˝, he said. believed that Croatia’s acces- reminded of the ratification of He also pointed out that it was good and that Croatia would do an Union accession negotiations. He received warm and lengthy sion to the EU would proceed the Protocol on Croatia’s NATO hard to compete with Croatia its best to maintain good neigh- Sanader, who was a guest of applause at the end of his in accordance with the agreed accession by the Slovak Parlia- when it came to tourism, so he bourly relations between Zagreb honour at the convention, de- speech, and a member of the timetable, since that Croatia was ment. invited Croatian tourism experts and Belgrade. scribed the ÖVP as a big Euro- ÖVP presidency, Gerlinde Rogat- even more prepared to join the He added he was glad that to share their experiences in de- “Once it joins the European Un- pean party. “By coming at this sch, said the party would whole- EU than some other countries Croatia and Slovakia would veloping tourism industry with ion, Croatia most definitely will Party’s convention I want to heartedly support Croatia’s ac- which were already the EU mem- soon be sitting at the same ta- their Slovak counterparts. not turn its back to its neigh- thank you for the support to my cession to the EU.

22 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 23 ENERGY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ENERGY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ECONOMIC POLICY OF CROATIA IN 2009

“It is estimated that the construc- tion of new facilities will require over 10 billion euro investment, "Economic Policy ENERGY DEVELOPMENT out of which 4.5 billion accounts for electric power system” the Minister said referring to the of Croatia in 2009" STRATEGY proposed scenarios. He also said that we shouldn’t mount stiff re- eputy PM and Minister of sistance to the proposal of build- Meeting of the Croatian DEconomy, Labour and En- ing nuclear and thermal power trepreneurship Damir Polančec, plants, and that we should con- Economists Association presented the Draft of Croatia’s sider all the options. Energy Development Strategy on “The indicators show that the the 10th of November, thus offi- conditions for building a nuclear cially opening a discussion about power plant are more favourable that important document. that those for building thermal power plant”, the Deputy PM The participants were greeted by added. UNDP Resident Representative in “The biggest advantage of a nu- Croatia Yuri Afanasiev. clear power plant is a low price Energy Development Strategy is of each kilowatt-hour produced, a basic document of the Energy but it will take at least ten to even Act, which considers the energy 2020, the new Strategy covers pendent, while bearing in mind twenty years before the construc- demand and regulates the devel- that period, and beyond, up to their financial and environmental tion of the nuclear power plant opment of the energy sector, i.e. the year 2030. effect. is completed” Mr Polančec con- it defines energy policy and pro- The objective of the new Energy Therefore, all the options are cluded. vides a plan of Croatia’s energy Strategy is to direct activities to- being considered, including the Ministry of Economy, Labour and development. ward satisfying the demand for need to close down the exist- Entrepreneurship, Croatian Cham- The Strategy was passed by the energy in Croatia today by keep- ing power plants, as well as the ber of Economy and Economic Croatian Parliament at the pro- ing in mind secure and reliable period in which the construction and Social Committees have or- he 16th Meeting of the ment policy and the role of state posal of the Croatian Govern- supply, sustainable energy devel- and putting into operation of new ganized round-table discussions TCroatian Economists Associa- supports in increasing competi- ment for a ten-year period. Based opment and overall development production and transport facili- on the topic of Energy Develop- tion ˝Economic Policy of Croatia tiveness of domestic industry. on the adopted Strategy the Gov- in Croatia, and, in that context, ties could be finished. ment Strategy of the Republic of in 2009˝, which was held in Opat- Economic experts were also dis- ernment will prepare the Strategy the competitiveness of the en- The Expert Committee of the Croatia, and the first one was held ija from 12th to 14th November, cussing the financial market crisis Implementation Programme for a ergy system as a whole. Ministry of Economy, Labour and on November 18 in Osijek. revolved around the topics of and the world economic crisis and four-year period. The goal of the Strategy is to Entrepreneurship will consider macroeconomic policy, finance its effects. The Ministry of Economy, Labour recognise the energy potential, all the opinions, and the entire and energy, as well as regional In his speech, the President and Entrepreneurship in coopera- as well as limits, to estimate the public discussion will be transpar- policy stressed the need for Croatia to tion with the UN Development trends and the structure of con- ently presented in the end. This traditional conference was meet the challenges of the finan- Programme started the project of sumption, and offer possible de- After the public discussion the held under the auspices of the cial crisis in order to develop a amending the Energy Strategy of velopmental options. Expert Committee will propose Croatian President, Mr Stjepan clear and effective national strat- the Republic of Croatia. The Green Book (Outline on the a text of the White Book (Energy Mesić, who opened the meeting egy since all the attempts to tack- The project was put out to com- Strategy Proposal), will propose Strategy Proposal) which will be of consulting economists. The fol- le the crisis without such strategy petitive tender and a domestic three possible options for the submitted to the Croatian Gov- lowing day Croatian Prime Min- would be futile. He praised the consortium Institute for Energy development of electric power ernment and to the Croatian Par- ister, Mr Sanader, presented the success of the Croatian National and Environmental Protection system, while highlighting the liament. economic policy of the Govern- Bank (CNB) which managed to EKONERG won, so it gathered need to produce transformed en- “The experts involved in the de- ment for the upcoming period, maintain the stability of the fi- eminent experts from different ergy from various sources, which velopment of the Strategy believe while the Minister of Finance, nancial system in Croatia, and the fields to assist them in the deliv- would provide sustainable devel- that only one nuclear power plant Ivan Šuker, talked about fiscal Government decision to quit sell- ery of the project. opment and satisfy a growing de- in Croatia should be built, with policy of Croatia. ing the shares of INA (Croatian oil mand until the period covered by the power of 100 MW and one On the last day of the conference industry), which actually meant it The strategy evolved from evalu- the Strategy ends. thermal power plant of 600 MW”, there were discussions about the was not time to sell state prop- ating the energy sector of the Eu- In contrast to the Strategy from said Deputy PM Damir Polančec development of energy sector erty. ropean Union. 2002, this time individual visions on the occasion of presenting the and shipbuilding industry, as well The Croatian Prime Minister said Since the EU has set the goals for of primary energy will be interde- strategy to the public. as about the regional develop- that, when it comes to Croatian

24 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 25 ECONOMIC POLICY OF CROATIA IN 2009 RIJEKA-ZAGREB-BUDAPEST MOTORWAY

economic policy in 2009, the ac- vided for the judges, and that the tain macroeconomic stability and tual situation and possible devel- introduction of personal identifi- restrictive fiscal policy and with opment of the situation would cation number would contribute such restrictive policy, as well as depend on the state budget for to the fight against corruption. balanced state budget, we have 2009, and the Government would He stressed the importance of focused less on those who tried propose to the Parliament ap- the recent Progress Report for to get money dishonestly and proving of the budget as late as Croatia published by the Euro- more on the citizens and com- RIJEKA-ZAGREB- possible, only on December 15 or pean Commission. He said that the panies. At that time Croatia’s even later. Report reflected greater support macroeconomic stability was the The Prime Minister said that we to Croatia, adding that it was an im- strongest argument presented in would have more information if perative for Croatia to implement all the talks and negotiations.” the budget had been approved the shipyard and judiciary reforms. BUDAPEST later, so we wouldn’t have to “What we are proposing to the As regards the impact of the change it recently. ˝In a situation Croatian society, our social part- world crisis on Croatia, Šuker like this, it is critical to balance ners, cities and municipalities is said that the measures that had the budget˝, Sanader said add- the beginning of something new. ben implemented previously had MOTORWAY OPENED ing that the budget allocation, All of the changes will be brought helped mitigate the effects of the except when it comes to pension about within the context of the financial crisis in Croatia. he 146.5 km long Rijeka- and health budget, would be un- European accession”, Sanader He mentioned that in recent TZagreb-Budapest motorway changed or slightly reduced. said. years Croatian financial market was opened for traffic by the Sanader endorsed CNB’s policy Minister of Finance Ivan Šuker had grown enormously, and that Croatian PM, Ivo Sanader, on Oc- of maintaining a stable currency, said that the proposed balanc- the financial market had stabi- tober 22 2008. limitation of foreign debt and li- ing of the state budget could be lized due to the implementation “We have been waiting for thirty quidity, saying it was crucial to achieved only by limiting state of adequate legal measures, as eight years for the Rijeka-Zagreb overcoming the crisis. spending with the goal of elimi- well as prudent fiscal and mon- motorway to be constructed and “The judiciary reform and com- nating the risk of macroeconomic etary policy. “We are playing to find the political will and mon- bating crime and corruption are instability. At the moment the a game which can be won only ey to achieve this”, PM Sanader our priorities”, Sanader said and budget suits everyone, you, who by joint efforts and pursuing the said. added that the decision had been are providing it, and us, respon- same goal”, Minister Šuker said Rijeka-Zagreb motorway is a part made on the establishment of the sible for its allocation”, Mr Šuker and concluded that he believed of Pan-European corridor Vb. Its Judicial Academy in Split, where said in Opatija. Mr Šuker also those were the values that would construction started as early as additional training would be pro- added: “We managed to main- get us through next year. 1971, and cost more than 661.5 million euro. The last two sec- tions, Oštrovica to Vrata (11 km), and Kupjak to Vrbosko (3.5 km), stretch from Rijeka to Kupjak thirteen supervising institutions were completed 2 and a half from 1971 to 1982, and later on were involved in the motorway months ahead of schedule. from 1996 to 1997. construction. The Rijeka-Zagreb Motorway Company is responsi- Now it takes some hour and a Since the Rijeka-Zagreb Motor- ble for covering the construction half from Rijeka to Zagreb, and way Company was established in and maintenance costs. starting from November 1 one 1998, the works were performed On the same day, near Goričan has to pay 60 kuna to use the rapidly in two stages. border crossing, Minister Kalme- motorway. There are five bridg- The first stage involved the con- ta, together with his Hungarian es, thirteen tunnels, twenty-four struction of the three-lane two- counterpart Pal Szabo, attended viaducts, forty-five underpasses way road from Kupjak to Karlovac the ceremony of opening the and twenty-six overpasses on (60.18 km), and was completed Mura bridge with access roads the motorway route. in June 2004. The second stage to traffic, officially marking the The first section from Rijeka to involved the construction of the completion of the construction Kikovica (10.5 km) was opened extension of the three-lane two- of the Rijeka-Zagreb-Budapest in 1971, while the section from way road from the interregional motorway. Zagreb to Karlovac (39.3 km) was junction Bosiljevo II to Kikovica The motorway connects major opened in 1972. (55.57 km), and was completed Croatian port of Rijeka with Bu- The motorway and the three- in October 2008. dapest so now it takes only five lane two-way road sections Sixteen companies and institu- hours to get from Rijeka to Buda- (46.8 km) were being built at the tions, forty one constructor and pest via Zagreb.

26 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 27 INTERVIEW WITH DAMIR POLANČEC INTERVIEW WITH DAMIR POLANČEC

In early November, the European Commission announced the adoption of the strategy capacity building, ap- The PM announced the introduc- for the EU enlargement policy and publishing of Progress Report for Croatia in the pointment of 300 ethics tion of some measures related commissioners, intro- to savings, which was met with context of the completion of accession negotiations by the end of 2009. However, ducing new laws on ad- mixed reactions. Do you think there are still a number of outstanding issues that need to be addressed. ministrative procedure, that the refraining from throw- and the personal identi- ing Christmas parties or present- fication number starting ing business partners with gifts Government is doing from the 1st January , all will significantly contribute to of this will result in the the saving scheme? improvement of the ef- I think that expensive parties and everything it can to ficiency and responsive- luxurious gifts in both the state ness of public services and public sector are inappropri- which will in turn result ate, especially in the current situa- maintain the financial and in curbing corruption. tion. Tax payers’ money shouldn’t The British Ambassador be spent for buying business gifts. to Croatia, Mr David However, we are going to comply economic stability Blunt, has supported with the obligations from the col- Croatia’s commitment to lective bargaining agreement – e talked to Deputy PM and ernment lacks financial means to system and sustainable energy implement the reforms. providing Christmas presents for WMinister of Economy, La- make the necessary investments. development. Croatian Energy children and ensuring bonuses bour and Entrepreneurship Damir System must be open and based The budget for 2009, for employees. Polančec about some of these The Government has been criti- on market principles. the year of local elec- issues, including restructuring of cized for sacrificing the shipyards That is why it is important to har- tions, was adopted Should Croatian citizens be en- state-assisted shipyards, global for the sake of the EU accession. monize it with the European legis- amidst global economic couraged to build up savings, economic crisis, and the energy What is your opinion on this issue? lation, as well as make it environ- crisis. What are the since decrease in consumption strategy. Regardless of the EU accession mentally friendly by reducing the views of the general leads to decrease in produc- negotiations, we cannot continue emission of greenhouse gases. public on the issue? tion? By signing the Stabilisation and with such practices. Ever since Damir Polančec The Government is very According to the information re- Accession Agreement Croatia Croatia gained its independence Energy Development Strategy is Deputy PM and Minister of Economy, satisfied that there is ceived by the Croatian Chamber committed itself to restructuring the government has allocated a basic document of the Energy Labour and Entrepreneurship national consensus that of Economy no significant chang- some industries. Why have you enormous amounts of money to Act, which considers the need for the crisis can be over- es are expected when it comes waited so long to initiate the re- the shipyards. Changes are neces- energy and contains regulations nomic circumstances, or rather, it come if everyone shares to pre-Christmas spending’. The structuring process? sary because of all tax payers who for the development of the ener- will be pushed through and accel- the burden. prices of staple items have been In February 2007, we submitted are paying for the closing down of gy sector. Based on the adopted erated. Local communities have been cut, so we do not expect a signifi- our plans to the Commission, the shipyards, since many other strategy the Government will de- The Government has developed asked to conform to the Govern- cant decline in consumption. and we have been waiting for its industries with greater potential velop Energy Strategy Implemen- the public administration reform ment’s principles in drafting their response, i.e. evaluations of the are not receiving the same level tation Programme for a four-year strategy for the period 2008-201. budget. We urged all the politi- How are you going to spend plans and suggestions for the im- of government support. period. It is a basic document which de- cians to be serious in the upcom- Christmas holidays? Will there provements. The plans were de- fines the aims and provides guide- ing elections. It is not time to be any presents in your family? veloped with the aim of opening Recently, the public discussion Foreign and domestic investors lines for the reform in terms of in- make promises, or rise the prices I will spend Christmas with my the negotiations on the market on the Energy Development often express serious criticism creasing efficacy and competence of the Public Utility Services, and family. It is a family holiday and competition chapter. Due to the Strategy in Croatia was conclud- of the inefficiency of the public of the administration, adherence we all have to share the burden. Christmas time should be a negative experience the EC had ed. What is the significance of administration. Is the public ad- to good ethical practices, informa- The Government will continue time of spiritual reflection, not with restructuring shipyards in the Strategy for Croatia? ministration reform going to be tization and curbing corruption. with the present fiscal policy, and of spending spree which it has some other countries, it changed The world is facing a major fi- blocked, due to harsh economic We are committed to develop a expects the Croatian National turned into. I come from a simple, the standpoint in order not to re- nancial crisis, world’s leading na- circumstances? modern and responsive public Bank to continue with its mon- working class background and my peat the same mistake in Croatia. tions are struggling to maintain a Although the implementation of administration system. etary policy of maintaining sta- family lived modestly, making lots Still, I have to admit that I myself stable financial system, and the the reform is a key condition for We are aware that developing bility of the kuna, as well as eco- of sacrifices. think that privatization is the only Croatian Government is doing the EU membership, I have to em- a modern public administration nomic stability in Croatia. right answer to the restructuring everything it can to maintain the phasise that the efficient public system requires lots of hard and We will share equal responsibil- I am trying to pass on these val- problem. financial and economic stability. administration is primarily in the serious work, but it will pay off ity with all social partners, firmly ues to my children, especially Some companies, such as our In this respect Croatia’s energy interest of Croatian citizens and since the efficient public adminis- believing that we will successfully during the Christmas period. I be- shipbuilding companies, can- independence has become our entrepreneurs, and it is the basis tration system leads to deficit re- overcome the financial crisis. After lieve that with joy, peace, family not be successfully restructured priority. The aims of the new en- of economic growth. duction and balanced budget. each crisis there is a sense of opti- values, and wishes of prosperity without the involvement of the ergy strategy are energy security, Public administration reform will Taking specific measures, such as mism so it seems realistic to expect and progress we can experience private sector. Currently, the gov- the competitiveness of energy not be blocked due to harsh eco- those related to administrative a short-term economic growth. the true spirit of Christmas.

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Confirmation General of strong Craddock support of congratulates Great Britain Croatia on to Croatia reforms in he Ambassador of the United TKingdom of Great Britain and defence sector Northern Ireland in Croatia Dav- eneral John Craddock, the id Greame Blunt was received Gchief commander of NATO’s by the Croatian PM Sanader in European Forces was on a two- the mid-October. Mr Blunt ex- day visit to Croatia in mid-Octo- pressed his satisfaction for be- ber. At Banski Dvori (the Presi- ing given an honour to present dential Palace) he met Croatian the United Kingdom in the Re- Prime Minister Ivo Sanader. Gen- public of Croatia, and confirmed eral Craddock congratulated Mr a strong support of the United Sanader on successfully imple- Kingdom for Croatia’s admission mented reforms in the defence to the Euro-Atlantic Integration. sector and thanked Croatia for Speaking about Croatia’s acces- its contribution to global peace sion to the NATO he said that Deputy PM Uzelac with and security. He emphasised there was no obstacle for the that Croatia served as a model United Nations day marked completion of the whole proc- UNHCR High Commissioner and factor of stability in South- ess of the ratification of the east Europe. General Crad- n late October, on the occasion the UN, aimed at building last- Protocol on Croatia’s accession n mid-October at the Banski Dvori, Deputy PM Prof dr. sc. Slobodan dock also said that he expected Iof marking the United Nations ing peace and security in the to the NATO before the sum- IUzelac met with the UNHCR High Commissioner Udo Janz. The meet- Croatia to participate, as a NATO Day, the President of the Re- world. Deputy PM Kosor pointed mit on the 3rd and the 4th April ing was followed by Wilfried Buchhorn, the head of UNHCR Office in member, in the summit meeting public of Croatia, Stjepan Mesić, out that Croatia wouldn’t forget 2009. When it came to Croatia’s the Republic of Croatia, and Mario Pavlović, senior legal advisor at the marking the 60th anniversary of opened new offices of five Unit- those who had sacrificed their accession to the EU, Ambassa- UNHCR Office in Croatia. The subject of the meeting was the forth- the Alliance. ed Nations agencies in Zagreb. lives in defending their home- dor Blunt said that Croatia had coming Dialogue of UNHCR High Commissioner, which is going to take The summit is taking place on He said that Croatia had become land and all those who, within a strong support of the United place in Geneva in December 2009. the 3rd and the 4th April 2009 in one of the first UN members to the fold of the UN, had helped it Kingdom, and offered help in all Strasbourg and Kehl. house the offices of the organi- in the hardest times. the relevant issues in order for The PM said that Croatia was zation’s agencies under one roof. “As the member of the UN Secu- that process to be finished as going to be a reliable ally and ˝This is the proof of Croatia’s rity Council we have got a very soon as possible. PM Sanader would continue contributing to maturity, the sign of progress important role we have been thanked him for the support international peace and secu- achieved to the status of a mem- preparing for in the last period, and pointed out that there was rity. “Croatian citizens support ber country in which innovations and that is the responsibility no doubt that good relations Croatia’s accession to NATO, as in the functioning of the UN are for the most important issues between the Republic of Croatia confirmed by relevant surveys”, successfully being implement- and the United Kingdom would the PM said. ed˝, President Stjepan Mesić the international community develop during the Ambassa- He also thanked General Crad- said at the ceremony marking deals with”, emphasised Deputy dor Blunt’s mandate. He also dock for the good coopera- the 63rd anniversary of the UN PM. She concluded her speech added that Croatia was ready tion of the Strategic Command Organization. The gathering was by saying that the UN provided for more intensive co-operation (SHAPE) and NATO experts with also attended by Deputy PM and Croatia with invaluable profes- with the United Kingdom in or- the Croatian Defence Ministry Minister of Family Affairs, War sional and technical support der to become a full member of and the Croatian Armed Forces Veterans and Intergenerational through its agencies, organiza- Euro-Atlantic Integration before Main Staff, as well as for the pro- Solidarity Jadranka Kosor, who tions and institutions, as well as long, and concerning the goal of fessional assistance in the proc- said that Croatia had become with aid programmes, which the strengthening strategic partner- ess of the implementation of the the country which was actively Croatian Government appreciat- ship of both countries. Membership Action Plan. participating in the activities of ed and warmly welcomed.

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Croatian PM Portuguese Ambassador Deputy PM Kosor meets ICTY with Richard Barreiros’s farewell visit chief prosecutor Holbrooke t the beginning of November documents which the prosecu- of Croatia’s sincere and open ADeputy PM and the president tion had requested in the case of co-operation which was proved of the Council for Cooperation Croatian army generals Gotovina, by the activities that had been t the end of October the with the ICTY and other interna- Čermak and Markač. The ICTY undertaken by now concern- ACroatian PM Ivo Sanader tional criminal courts Jadranka Office of the Prosecutor had not ing the fulfilment of the request received Richard Holbrooke, Kosor met with the ICTY chief yet analysed in detail Croatia’s by the Office of the Prosecutor, the American Ambassador prosecutor Serge Brammertz at report since the report was quite and concerning the order of the who, during Clinton’s admin- the Banski Dvori. The chief prose- extensive and thorough. Deputy Court about the missing docu- istration, was filling a post of cutor Brammertz delivered a pre- PM Kosor once again pointed mentation. The Chief Prosecutor the U. S. special envoy at the liminary evaluation of documents out that Croatia was committed Brammertz met with the Croatian and the results of investigations to full cooperation with the ICTY Minister of Justice Prof dr. sc. Ivan United Nations in Bosnia and undertaken to trace the missing in The Hague. She also reminded Šimonović. Herzegovina. Since this was his first visit to Zagreb after eight years, Hol- brooke said Croatia had made a significant progress. With this respect, he congratulated he President of the Croatian PM Sanader for the support in PM Sanader for getting an in- TGovernment dr. sc. Ivo Sa- work and emphasised his being vitation to the NATO and for nader received in mid-October witness of a significant progress of Croatia’s soon admission to Mr Luís Barreiros, the Ambassa- Croatia on the international plan. that Alliance. Also, he highlight- dor of the Republic of Portugal in Regarding this, he stressed out ed his expectance for Croatia Croatia, for a farewell visit. that Portugal exceptionally ap- to become a full EU member Speaking about good and friend- preciated the resoluteness by ly relations between Croatia before long. Holbrooke espe- which the Croatian PM and the and Portugal, the Croatian PM cially pointed out the leading Government were implementing thanked Ambassador Berreiros role that Croatia had in SE Eu- for his contribution to the devel- the policy of affirmation of the rope. At the end of the meeting opment of a bilateral co-opera- Republic of Croatia as a future PM Sanader invited Holbrooke tion, and added that the relations NATO and EU member state. to participate at the Croatia had significantly intensified and In this matter, he confirmed a Summit 2009 in Dubrovnik, become stronger during his am- constant support by the Republic which Holbrooke gladly accept- bassadorial mandate. of Portugal to Croatia concerning ed. Ambassador Berreiros thanked Euro-Atlantic Integration.

s the result of a long-term co- Government, in accordance with Signing of Aoperation between Croatia new national regulations that are and Macedonia, in mid-November on the whole aligned with the agreement at the Council for National Secu- NATO standards. On behalf of the rity Office in Zagreb, the Agree- Croatian Government the Agree- between ment on exchange and mutual ment was signed by the Head of protection of classified informa- the National Security Council -Of tion between the two countries fice Ladislav Pivčević, while the Croatian and was signed. same for Macedonia was done It is a matter of an international by Lidija Kostovska, the director Macedonian agreement which the CNS Of- of the Board for Safety of Classi- fice, as the Croatian NSA body, fied Information of the Republic of Government signs on behalf of the Croatian Macedonia.

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to strengthening the position of Prof dr. sc. Slobodan Uzelac also OSCE High the national minorities in the soci- received Mr Vollebaek at the Ban- ety. The president of the Croatian ski Dvori. The meeting was also Commissioner Government thanked for the attended by the head of the OSCE OSCE role in promoting common Office in Croatia, Ambassador for National values, especially when it came to Jorge Fuentes Monzonis-Vilallon- issues concerning integration of ga. At the meeting they discussed the national minorities into both about the current issues concern- Minorities public and political life of Croatia, ing the position of the national stressing the national minorities to be minorities in Croatia, particularly Vollebaek an important factor in the develop- about the regional development ment of democratic relations in the of the Republic of Croatia as the visits Croatia society due to their proactive acting. platform and the perspective for n mid-November the president They discussed about the position the successful reconstruction of Iof the Croatian Government dr. of the Croatian minority in the return areas, the return of refu- sc. Ivo Sanader received at the neighbouring countries, as well as gees and their housing. Deputy Banski Dvori Mr Knut Vollabaek, about a huge progress concern- PM Uzelac made the Commis- OSCE High Commissioner for Na- ing the return of the refugees, sioner Vollebaek familiar with the tional Minorities. Saying that was about actual political scene in the activities of the Government on his first visit to Zagreb after the neighbouring region. Deputy PM that plan. year 1993, Vollabaek said that he was impressed by Croatia’s progress. Speaking about the PM Sanader says 2009 could be a significant OSCE current activities in other countries he said that OSCE was year for Croatia still at the disposal to Croatian roatian Prime Minister Ivo mission feels that it can wrap up tinue combating organised crime Government concerning the Sanader met with the Euro- the last phase of the negotiations and corruption, reforming the ju- counselling about greater involve- C pean Enlargement Commissioner by the end of 2009, provided that diciary and public administration, ment of the national minorities in Olli Rehn at Banski Dvori in mid- it meets all the requirements”, and privatising shipyards. the government administration, November. he said, repeating that “this was ˝We can see there are chances the efforts in strengthening in- ˝The year 2009 could be a sig- not a blank check and indicators for achieving an agreement on tegration of the educational sys- nificant year for Croatia. It could could be changed in light of the the restructuring of shipyards in tem, and other issues connected be the year in which Croatia will progress Croatia has achieved˝, order to continue with the chap- join NATO and complete the ac- provided that the meeting of cri- ter on market competition which cession negotiations with the Eu- teria was feasible.” Mr Rehn said: includes state support. The im- Croatia and Slovenia to strengthen relations ropean Union. We will do our ut- ˝I assure you that the EC supports plementation will take time, but it most to achieve those two goals˝, you and wishes you success in is important to achieve an agree- roatian Prime Minister Ivo building common European fu- Slovene President D. Türk was Sanader said at a joint press con- meeting those challenges˝. ment so that negotiations could CSanader held talks with ture. on his first official visit to Croatia ference with Enlargement Com- Sanader said Croatia particularly continue˝, said Rehn. Slovene President Danilo Türk They said that both, those in a year ago at the invitation missioner Olli Rehn. The press appreciated the fact that the EC The Commissioner said the Euro- at Banski Dvori (the Presiden- power and the opposition, of Croatian President Stjepan conference was also attended by was determined to set a condi- pean Commission adopted a joint tial Palace) in late November. must participate in that proc- Mesić. numerous government members tion that the year 2009 should be position on eight chapters which Both, Croatian PM and Slovene ess, and emphasised the need The Croatian President and his with whom Rehn met previously. the year of the completion of the could be opened. As regards the President, expressed interest in for intensifying communication Slovenian counterpart support- Rehn stressed that he arrived negotiations, announcing a finan- management of EU pre-accession enhanced bilateral cooperation at all levels, including the one ed the improvement of relations in Zagreb to encourage Croatia cial package for Croatia and the funds, he stressed that system- in order to resolve outstanding between the parliaments. between the two countries at all and convey the important mes- formation of a task force with the atic improvements were evident, issues, especially in the context In that context, the PM and sage from last week’s European primary function of drawing up as was the progress in the me- levels. of the final stage of Croatia’s Slovene President talked about Commission progress report that the accession agreement in times dium and long term, while there ˝In my opinion it is important EU negotiations. Croatia’s accession negotia- Croatia could wrap up the acces- that were not easy for the EU or remained some challenges to be In this respect, they concluded tions with the EU, its upcom- to focus on our wider and long- sion negotiations by the end of for Croatia, due to enlargement met in the short term. He said that traditionally friendly rela- ing accession to NATO, promo- term interests and to this end an next year, provided that it met all fatigue, problems with the Lisbon that was the reason he encour- tions between the two peoples tion and protection of minority atmosphere of confidence and the requirements and completed Treaty, and the European and glo- aged competent Croatian au- and citizens provided a firm rights, cultural cooperation and mutual cooperation should be its share of the job. bal financial crisis. He added that thorities to work round the clock foundation for the coopera- the development of overall bi- created˝, President Mesić said ˝Based on the progress Croatia the main tasks and challenges so that the funds could be used to tion between the two states in lateral relations. after the meeting. has achieved, the European Com- ahead of Croatia were to con- maximum effect.

34 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 35 THE MINISTERIAL FORUM ”JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS - EU AND WESTERN BALKANS” THE MINISTERIAL FORUM ”JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS - EU AND WESTERN BALKANS”

body at the Forum. The Council first of all, had to be seen in the a part of it, was also established. for the Regional Co-operation exchange of information, and no was represented by the Secretary state in this area couldn’t and Moreover, a firm vertical of fight General Hidajet Bišćević. shouldn’t be the oasis for hiding against organised crime and cor- Besides those mentioned above, criminals. ruption was created: the estab- the work of the Forum was at- The Justice Minister Šimonović lishment of the police office for tended by the representatives of expressed his hope that the Re- combating corruption and - or the Secretariat of the EU Council, public of Croatia had justified ganised crime, specialised Public the Delegation of the European confidence by organising that Prosecutor’s Office and special- Commission in Croatia, the rep- event for the first time outside the ised court departments for perti- resentatives of EUROPOL, EURO- borders of the European Union. nent cases. JUST, FRONTEX and others. Except for that, the minister With the goal of further improve- The conference was opened by pointed out the fact that we were ment of legal and institutional the Interior Minister of the Re- making progress, but we still had frame for corruption suppression public of France Michèle Alliot- to do more, faster and stronger, a range of new laws was issued, Marie, with the subject of the in order to meet all the condi- with the amendments of some consolidation of legislative of the tions for the EU accession by the countries of the Western Balkans end of 2009. existing laws. with EU acquis communautaire According to the latest Transpar- The most important changes in by which the efforts for the elimi- ency International survey about the legislation are anticipated in nation of organised crime and the the index of corruption percep- those fields which affect those consequences it brought to our tion for 2008, Croatia marked the involved in organised crime and society would be joined. best result (4,4) since 1999. corruption. The Forum enclosed the issues In the European Commission’s The Criminal Law has been ex- of borders, migrations, visas, se- Report on Croatia’s progress in tended with the deprivation of curity and trans-border crime, 2008 we also recognise that a benefits which is considered, strengthening the fight against certain progress has been made with a good reason, to be gained corruption, financial investiga- in fighting against corruption, but illegally. tions and confiscation of the there is still much to be done. To achieve full success the coun- JUSTICE AND HOME property obtained by criminal of- This year, the Republic of Croatia try cannot fight alone against cor- fences. adopted two key anti-corruption ruption, it is necessary to create The Croatian PM Sanader, in his policies: Strategy on Combat- an adequate atmosphere. address to the gathering, pointed ing Corruption, adopted by the With the beginning of 2009 we AFFAIRS - EU AND out that Croatia had undertaken Croatian Parliament on 19 June are starting with anti-corruption steps in fighting against corrup- 2008, and Action Plan within the campaign of ˝zero tolerance˝ tion and organised crime, but for Strategy on Combating Corrup- on corruption at all levels, firmly the final success on that way we tion, that was drawn up by the believing that together the Gov- needed more quality regional co- Government on 25 June 2008. ernment and the courts, but the WESTERN BALKANS operation. civil society as well, will realise a An extension of security at these The Strategy on Combating Cor- decisive advancement in fight- he ministerial forum ˝Justice the Western Balkans. the Minister of Justice Ivan areas is a path which requires ruption paid a special attention ing against corruption during the and Home Affairs – the EU Šimonović and the Minister of decisive reforms not only con- to the strengthening of the in- T next year. and the Western Balkans˝ was This year’s informal meeting of the Interior Affairs Tomislav Kara- cerning issuing of new laws and stitutional frame of corruption At the press conference, the rep- held on the 7th November 2008 the ministers of justice and in- marko. France was represented alignment with the European suppression, the measures were in Zagreb. Besides Croatian there terior affairs of the SE Europe’s by the Minister of Interior Affairs legislative, but primarily in the worked out that should contrib- resentatives of France, Croatia, were the interior ministers of countries, EU chairmanship, Eu- Michèle Alliot-Marie, the Minis- implementation of the European ute to better co-ordination and Czech Republic and European France, the Czech Republic, Ser- ropean Commission, and various ter of Justice Rachide Dati, and norms. co-operation among institutions. Commission expounded the im- bia, Monte Negro, Macedonia, other agencies of the EU (EU- the Minister of Immigration Brice One of the bilateral meetings The Commission for monitoring portance of a co-operation of Kosovo, Sweden, Austria, Bos- ROPOL, FRONTEX), was held in Hortefeux. held at the Forum was the one of the implementation of the meas- the ministries of the participant nia and Herzegovina and Poland the organisation of the Republic Vice-president of the European the interior minister of Serbia Ivi- ures of combating corruption was countries in exchange of informa- discussing intensively about the of Croatia, as the host country Commission and the Commis- ca Dačić and the interior minister set up, and due to speeding up of tion, which would result in sup- methods of connecting joint and the Republic of France, as the sioner for Justice, Freedom and of Croatia Tomislav Karamarko. necessary reforms the Office for pression of organised crime and forces and actions against crimi- country currently presiding over Security Jacques Barrot repre- The ministers agreed on the ne- Strategic Development within the lead to the effective deprivation nal activities that had been im- the European Union. sented the European Commis- cessity for the co-operation in the Ministry of Justice, with the Sec- of property obtained by criminal plemented at the whole area of Croatia was represented by sion as the chief executive EU field of the interior affairs, which, tor for combating corruption as offences.

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Ministry of the Interior: resolute fight against corruption Completion of PHARE 2005 TWINNING LIGHT project

he Finnish experts in the im- through the improvement of in- considered to be a ˝disease of ish experts evaluated that the During sixteen months there ent analysis of the shortcomings Tplementation of the Project stitutional capacities of the Min- a democratic society˝, which is cooperation between Croatia, were some thirty Dutch and of the existing system, although evaluated the cooperation be- istry of the Interior in the fight one of the criteria for Croatia’s as a candidate country, and EU 150 Croatian experts involved as early as 2001 the initiative for tween Croatia and EU member against corruption by adopting accession to the EU. member states had been accom- in the 850 thousand euro worth the improvement of the arms states, emphasising that they more modern approaches, inves- plished, emphasising that they project. control methods in the Republic had relied only on the experienc- tigative techniques and methods, The project consisted of a had relied only on the experienc- The analysis of safety standards, of Croatia was launched. es in the fight against corruption increased transparency and re- number of activities, including es in the fight against corruption and the analysis of the extent to For this reason, within the CARDS which had proved successful in sponsibility towards the general drawing up the Report on Short- which had proved successful in which the issue of weapons has programme, a draft of the proto- the case of Finland. public, especially regarding the comings and Needs of the Min- the case of Finland. presented a threat to the safety col on the control of firearms and complaints lodged against the istry of the Interior, recommen- in the Republic of Croatia was a recommendation for obtaining Within the PHARE 2005 pro- Ministry officials. dations of the Finnish experts, COMPLETION carried out within the project. database on bombs and mine gramme the project of the Minis- The project is going to contrib- that is twinning partners for the OF CARDS 2004 The second stage involved the explosives was prepared. The de- try of the Interior of the Republic ute to strengthening administra- reassessment of the Anti-Corrup- TWINNING PROJECT analysis of the legislation and partment of testing of the func- of Croatia ˝Improvement of the tive capacities of the Ministry of tion Action Plan and Program, The Forensic Testing Centre has comparison with the European tioning and resistance of firearms Ministry of the Interior System in the Interior in the fight against guidelines of the Ministry of the introduced a new system of bal- standards. Development of a has been established by the draft the Fight against Corruption˝ was corruption and organised crime, Interior in the fight against that listic expertise and international standardised methodology of the Arms Act which is going to be formally completed. The 150 000 since the project was designed destructive phenomenon of a data exchange, which will facili- police operation was the third submitted to the Parliament in euro worth project lasted for six to assess procedures within in- democratic society. tate the preparation process for stage of the CARDS project, while early 2009. The Forensic Testing months. The Police Directorate, stitutions involved in the fight acquiring professional accredita- the fourth stage included man- Centre has introduced a new sys- the Department of Economic against corruption, i.e. assess- Workshops focusing on skills tion. agement of the police force and tem of ballistic expertise and in- Crime and Corruption, together ment of the procedures of the needed to combat corruption education of the police experts ternational data exchange under with the twinning partner – In- internal control and public pro- were attended by some hundred The Croatian Ministry of the In- with the purpose of better un- the code name IBIS. stitute of Public Administration curement. Moreover, it is going police officers, the representa- terior carried out a project ˝Pre- derstanding and interpretation This will help the Centre prepare of the Republic of Finland was in to help the Croatian Government tives of the Office for Suppres- vention of Trafficking in Small of the results of previously imple- for obtaining the professional charge of all the activities, improve the implementation sion of Corruption and Organised Arms and Light Weapons˝ in co- mented phases of the project. accreditation, in accordance of the National Anti-Corruption Crime, the representatives of operation with the Dutch police to the internationally adopted The Project aimed at improving Programme in the fight against the state prosecutor and inves- agency and Dutch forensic insti- The Dutch counterparts per- rules at the Croatian Accredita- the implementation of the law what is in EU member states tigating magistrates. The Finn- tute . formed a worthwhile independ- tion Agency.

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57 PRODUCTS BRANDED ˝CROATIAN ISLAND PRODUCT˝ n the 25th of November, island production and allocating Oon the island of Brijuni, grants to island producers. Minister of the Sea, Trans- In 2007 the Ministry launched the port and Infrastructure, project of marking island prod- day Croatia was proud to see The ˝Croatian Island Product˝ islands abound in authentic, high Božidar Kalmeta, presented ucts with the ˝Croatian Island that a considerable number of project is aimed at boosting is- quality products that could be- eighteen island producers Product˝ brand, with the aim of top products had been branded land production and enhancing come an export brand. for 57 of their products with encouraging island producers to Croatian Island Products. They in- quality of island products which the medallion engraved market authentic, high quality clude olive oil, wine, cheese, pas- should be based on local tradi- In order to make the products with the words ˝Croatian Is- products. Last year twenty two try of Korčula, Vis and Rab, jams, tion. These products derive from accessible to both domestic and land Product˝ . products of fourteen manufac- cosmetic products, items made limited island localities and are foreign buyers, the Ministry has During the event he an- turers were branded “Croatian of wool from the island of Cres, manufactured in limited series. published a catalogue ˝Croatian nounced that his Ministry Island Products”. stone from Brač, lavender form The European Union appreciates Island Products 2007/08˝ with 79 was thinking of subsidizing Mr Kalmeta stressed that to- Rab and lace from Pag. traditional products and Croatian products of 32 producers.

40 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 41 KRIJESNICA KRIJESNICA

5. Financing and conduct- Necessary data for payments in ing the reha- Croatia: KRIJESNICA - bilitation sum- Udruga Krijesnica mer camps for Prilaz Gjure Deželića 50, Zagreb the cured chil- Bank account: Zaba – 2360000- dren; 1101481616 6. Equipping or a web site: www.krijesnica.hr a tiny light of hope the oncology departments Necessary data for payments with the nec- made abroad: e are certain that one of Croatia specialized in oncology ess of medical treatment, during essary medi- Name of the bank of the recipi- Wthe most horrifying news are at the top world level and that which the families reach the very cal equip- ent: Zagrebačka banka dd one can receive is that he or she medical protocols do not differ edge of their financial, psycho- ment; SWIFT: ZABAHR2X or some of their loved ones, his/ from those in the best world clinics. logical and physical strength. Kr- 300,000, to the opening of the 7. Providing fi- Name of the recipient: Udruga her child has a malign disease. If ijesnica Center is the place where Krijesnica Center. nancial aid to the families for the Krijesnica we consider the fact that malign Alongside with the spreading op- the members of the family whose Krijesnica Association tries to of- burial if their child (50% of the full Recipient’s address: Prilaz Gjere diseases are the second most fre- timism, Krijesnica helps in numer- child is sick can come to rest dur- fer the complete help to families expense) dies; Deželića 50, Zagreb, Croatia quent cause of death in the world ous other ways. ing the time they wait for some who are faced with malign diseas- 8. Education of the parents in IBAN: HR3923600001101481616 (first are accidents and disasters), Recently in Zagreb, at the address test results in one of Zagreb’s es that endangers those families the field of malign diseases, via Bank account no: 2100251383 very often this drives people into Prilaz Gjure Deželića 50, Krijes- hospitals, they can socialize, ex- in psycho-emotional and mate- lectures by various experts (doc- despair. nica Association has opened its change experiences and informa- rial way. The goal is to help the tors, psychiatrists, psychologists, Contacts: tion, find out how they can families to give all the strength pedagogues, …); Krijesnica Association Unfortunately, more and utilize their social right. they have into supporting their 9. Designing, printing and distri- Prilaz Gjure Deželića 50, Zagreb, more children are affected by Krijesnica Center will provide child and to avoid additional dif- bution of educational leaflets for Croatia malign diseases. Patients from psychological counseling, ficulties related to the treatment. the children and parents; (Printed Tel: +385 1 3770-477 2 months to 20 years of age hold various workshops/ Very often those difficulties are of so far: How to talk to your child Fax: +385 1 4655-343 are being admitted to pediat- play-workshops for the chil- material nature. about the disease, Days in the e-mail: [email protected] ric oncology departments. dren who are in the process hospital, Answers to the chil- web site: www.krijesnica.hr In Croatia, 150 children on av- of medical treatment and for Having that goal in mind, Krijes- dren’s questions about the death, erage get sick from some type those who are cured, various nica provides the following assist- How to say goodbye; Contact person for volunteers, of tumor every year and this lectures by the experts from ance/activities: 10. Increasing the public sensibil- sponsors, and media: President of number annually increases by the various fields related to ity for the problems of the fami- Krijesnica Association – Mr. Zoran 1%. Long and painful treat- malign diseases problems, 1. Organizing of the free accom- lies who are faced with malign Cipek ment on average lasts more celebrate birthdays and hold modation for the families from diseases (via media, by organizing than 12 months. commemorations for the chil- outside Zagreb (the Association humanitarian concerts, exhibi- Contact person for the sick chil- dren whose treatment was is currently taking care of three tions); dren parents: member of the However, believe us, not eve- unsuccessful. flats that are being used for the 11. Solving the issue of medical managing board of Krijesnica As- rything is so gloomy. There is Krijesnica Center is a “child” accommodation of the sick chil- insurance for the families that do sociation – Mr. Zoran Mitrović, a tiny light at the end of the of the Croatian television that, not have it regulated. +385 91 791 8185 premises planned as a central dren and their parents during tunnel. This light is being shed by by means of its “Derby” project point for information, advice and their stay in Zagreb, one of the Krijesnica. and by organizing a big humani- The expens- support provision for all people flats is given by the Government tarian action in 2006, enabled the es of all the who are faced with malign diseas- of Croatia, two flats are owned by Krijesnica is the name of an As- collection of funds from compa- mentioned es (those who are in the process the City of Zagreb); sociation that helps the children nies and private citizens to open a c t i v i t i e s of medical treatment, who lost 2. Providing the free city trans- with malign diseases and their and operate the Center for the are covered someone from malign disease, port, parking (sponsor is the City families, which was founded in provision of assistance to the chil- by dona- members of the family whose of Zagreb) and 50% discount for September 2000. dren faced with malign diseases tions and children are being treated or have the rail transport for the parents Firstly, we can cheer you up with and their families of the Krijesnica t h e r e f o r e ended treatment for some of ma- whose children being treated for the fact that the percentage of Association. The Government of Krijesnic a lign diseases). a long period of time; the children who are being cured the Republic of Croatia has also Association At this premises (Krijesnica Cent- 3. Providing the toll free ride on is 70% to 90%, depending of the backed this project by exempting is in con- er), all persons faced with malign the Zagreb-Macelj motorway; type of tumor. the VAT on donations and has in stant search diseases can receive help in deal- 4. Organizing free individual and Families whose children were that way directly contributed, in of new do- ing with problems that they come group psychotherapeutical treat- cured abroad say that doctors in the amount of more than HRK nations. across during the tedious proc- ments for all parents;

42 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 43 INTERLIBER INTERLIBER

pronunciation, with the accent on The book by Josip Šentija ˝Skandi- FOREIGN TITLES the words children meet in eve- navizacija Balkana , helvetizacija Ljevak publishing house has obvi- ryday life. The DVD provides the Bosne i Hercegovine – reviews, ously made a good deal by publish- games intended for fun in order presentations, and commentaries ing a Croatian edition of Mc Ma- to help children to get familiarised 1990-2000˝ warns of the relations fia˝ by Misha Glenny which asked with the words in the Dictionary. between the Croats and Bosniaks, for a place more. In some 450 Contextually, ˝Croatian School Or- and between Croatia and Bosnia- pages Glenny, an emigrant form thography˝ by Babić, Sanda Ham Herzegovina. The book combines the former USSR, who now lives and Milan Moguš, published by around seventy written or uttered in Great Britain, divides, in a form Školska knjiga, was warmly wel- articles about a dramatic decade of ˝big news reportage˝, all the comed, since the Orthography was of the Croatian history. aspects of currently the biggest aligned with the conclusions of the Profil presents a new novel by world evil – mafia. Marinko Koščec ˝Centimetre of Council for Standard Croatian Lan- Publishing house Vuković&Runjić Happiness˝ which follows existen- guage Norm at the Ministry of Sci- presents the latest work of Orhan INTERLIBER ence, Education and Sport. tial tales of students’ colleagues Pamuk ˝Silent house˝, a political nov- This year’s Interliber presented one starting from the days of studying el which continues the elaboration of of the most important Croatian ac- when they love and cheat each Zagreb Bookish Olympics a big theme of non-existing identity complishments, the international other, and later shows their lives and a degradation of their per- in the Ottoman historical context. he traditional 31st Interna- the context of literary maps and panied by the Kleitzmer Orchestra document of our independence Ttional Book and Teaching Aids into trans-continental and global playing eastern-European Jewish and selfhood of the international Fair – Interliber, and Music and flows, which was particularly wel- music, Israeli dances and Israeli recognition of the Republic of Multimedia Fair have just finished comed by the Minister of Culture film projections. Croatia, as Lobel Machal would say at Zagreb Fair, enriched by an im- Biškupić, since it was an impetu- ˝the second international recogni- pressive number of 290 domestic ous to the co-operation of the two DOMESTIC TITLES tion of Croatia˝. Namely, the new and foreign exhibitors. countries on literary filed as well. A segment which for sure domi- code of the Croatian language was This year Israel is marking the 60th nated the Fair was publishing presented, the one set up accord- As usual the Fair was held under anniversary of its establishment, marking of the 500th anniver- ing to ISO 639-2 standard. the auspices of the Ministry of Cul- so the guest engagement at the sary of the birth of the greatest By now the Croatian language was ture, with the promotion of more Interliber is one of the cultural Croatian and world comedy writer registered together with the Ser- than a hundred new titles and manifestations which Israel during Marin Držić. bian, which in no way suited the many professional conferences the whole year, and all around the The Lexicon of Marin Držić pub- reality and present time. and presentations. world, is organising on the occa- lished by Miroslav Krleža Lexico- By an official letter from the 17th The Interliber has been developed sion of this important anniversary. graphic Institute, as well as the June 2009, ISO 639-2 Registra- into a leading book fair in SE Eu- The Jews have always been ˝the Profil’s library New Profiles and tion Authority, the request of two sonalities, while Ljevak publishing The same publishing house publishes rope, and Minister Biškupić pre- nation of books˝. The tradition has the reading (containing Držić’s national libraries and authorised house surprises us with the novel the last novel by recently late great dicted that ˝Zagreb Bookish Ol- been continued in the State of Is- Novela od Stanca), is intended for State Bureau for the norms of ˝Crucifixion of Passion˝, in which a man of the American literature Nor- ympics ˝ should have been turned rael which has far greater number better understanding of an au- Croatia and Serbia on the sepa- famous painter Dimitrije Popović man Mailer ˝Castle in the Woods˝. into to the leading fair of Central of published and sold books than thentic text of the famous comedy ration and establishment of two makes his début as the novelist in On the other hand, the Verbum European countries. total number of population, in writer. codes – Croatian and Serbian was the work inspired by the character brings a biography of St. Paul, by comparison to other highly devel- Dubrovnik libraries held presen- confirmed. of Mary Magdalene. dr. Josef Holzner, without doubt This year, the participating coun- oped countries. tations of multimedia exhibition The Interliber offers the first The same publisher presents the nov- one of the most famous and the ties were Austria, Belgium, Bosnia By participating at the Interliber about Držić, with the intention of round of Collected works by Ranko el ˝Nothing sacred˝ by Ivo Brešan. best displays of life and teaching of and Herzegovina, Monte Negro, they want to show only a small presenting not only Držić’s works, Marinković, three novels: Kik- Social history of the book in Croats this great Apostle of nations. Croatia, Iran, Israel, Germany, Po- part of newly-published titles in but the life of the Renaissance Du- lop, Zajednička kupka, and Never - the book III – from the beginning land, the USA, Serbia, Spain, Great Israel. brovnik. more, the book of theatrical es- of the Croatian National Revival All in all, this year’s rich Interliber Britain and Northern Ireland. In a co-operation with the Jewish One of the greeted titles was ˝The says, and the critics of Geste i gri- (1835) till today by an academician fits everyone. It has confirmed -it The partner country was Israel Municipality Zagreb a hand-book First School Dictionary of the mase, reminding of the master of Aleksandar Stipčević published by self as one of the most successful by presenting itself as publishing for learning the Hebrew language Croatian Language˝ by Šimpraga- the Croatian prose seven years af- Školska knjiga, is a respectable events of the Zagreb Fair, and the power with an annual edition of was promoted. Jojić-Lewis, a normative dictionary ter his death. three-book in which the author number of visitors has proved that around 5 thousand titles. Also, the book of Boris Zaidman that should be developing an at- ˝Mali koncil˝ was also presented, depicts a social standpoint of the next year the Interliber will need ˝Hemingway and the Dead-Bird titude toward the Croatian Stand- children’s monthly and a magazine development of a book in Croats, more space. This respected cul- Israel, being this year’s partner Rain˝was presented, which speaks ard Language for the beginnings ˝Lađa , professional publication by emphasising all the specifics of tural manifestation is important country, points to the enlarge- about a boy’s destiny born in of one’s education. The Dictionary intended for all those showing in- booked production, distribution for the image of our capital as well ment of cultural interests with former USSR and his coming to Is- consists of the book and a DVD, terest for the matter of education, and reading. as for Croatia in whole. the goal of fitting Croatia into rael. The performance was accom- explaining 2 500 words and their especially religious one.

44 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 45 EXHIBITION EXHIBITION

If one looks down at the Earth from the Moon there is virtually no distance between Louvre and the Zoo. The Beauty of Freedom (from video-work by Braco Dimitrijević).

t the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery den in the very friendly and pro- have been learning from the east difference from the mere senti- more tranquil and more boring, Ain Zagreb, the exhibition ˝The fessional connection of Adamović Artists whose works are (socialism) and form the west mental reminiscences – it is the but less appalling and, at the altars of the Avant-garde˝ has with the authors. being displayed at the (capitalism). Of course, now that one which finds the power of same time, less marvellous. been opened, by the selection It’s a rare visual phenomenon exhibition: Konstantin the limits and political systems beauty even in a tin plate, past of Jadran Adamović, displaying with such multi-layered and am- Batynkov, Ivan Chuikov, have changed, such an experi- lumps of sugar, in photographic The Croatian authors were more than 200 recent works – biguous position as the avant- ence will be no longer possible. sequences of an artist sleeping, Braco Dimitrijević, represented by compelling Ju- drawings, pictures, installations, garde art. In comparison with tra- which means – dreaming, which Perica Doljanin, Andrej lije Knifer, obsessed with persist- video-works – of nineteen artists ditional painting realisms, seeking Both the limits and political sys- again means – creating. Beauty and one art group. for optimal visual displaying of Filippov, Elena Elagina, tem caused the downfall of old is, as thought by avant-garde, in ence of his meanders, then Ivan Those are the artists who, wheth- the world, the avant-garde and Igor Makarevič, Grupa and raise of new states, press- the way how a pair of living lions Kožarić with the symbolic paper er by the background or place of neo-avant-garde realisms have Irwin, Magdalena ing, in one generation, its whole in the artist’s atelier experiences altar, Braco Dimitrijević with his living, are lining the map whose been aiming to direct shifting of Jetelova , Ivan Kafka, cultural identity. a half-length portrait or a picture video-work with an enigmatic boundaries are set by Adamović’s the objects outside the art into Julije Knifer, Alexander Just that context is what makes of the threatening year of 1937 link of Louvre and zoological biographic story, his nomadic very itself. Kosolapov, Milomir the experience of the artists pre- posted at an easel, in the way gardens, Vlado Martek and his rambling on these areas, while Theoreticians point to the devia- Kovačević Strašni, Ivan sented at this exhibition original that pair of animals sniffs an ex- self-portraits lost in the maps the bonding is neither genera- tion from the modern autonomy Kožarić, Oleg Kulik, and unique, aside from the rap- cessive palette, but also in a dead of equally lost world, Mladen tional nor style kinship, but the toward anarchic effects claiming port and distance from the idea body of a human or a horse, any- Stilinović with typical self-ironic recognition of art and personal – to be able to recognise whether Vlado Martek, Pavel of anarchy. way, frightful beauty of severity, detachment and true nostalgic views of life. art is contemporary or not, we Pepperstein, Dmitri but in the dissoluteness of life, By their acting, birth and living do not draw on aesthetic criteria Prigov, Mladen Stilinović These are simply memories of its loss, beauty in everyday life, toward materially poor time of they have straddled a wide area any more, but we draw on social i Dragoljub Raša the world which does not exist joy and sorrow, war and peace, his growing up and Perica Dol- of the Central and East Europe, ones. Todosijević, and Irwin any more. plenty and misery, recognisable janin with early landscapes puri- from the Baltic to the Adriatic One of the presented artists group. in the audience grown up in a fied of each trace of human pres- Sea. The key of selection is hid- would therefore say: as an artist, I Art is, therefore, what makes the totally different reality – maybe ence.

46 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 47 TUROPOLJE’S WOODEN BEAUTIES TUROPOLJE’S WOODEN BEAUTIES

The most distinguished one among them is the Chapel of St. Barbara, which was built in 1642, with further refurbish- ments taking place in the fol- lowing centuries. Originally, the entire Chapel, the shrine with the apse, vestry, vestibule, and the bell-tower above the main entrance, was built of split oak planks. Post-Baroque interven- tions include renewal of the roof-frame and construction of a new wooden bell-tower, while in the 19th century it was deco- rated with wood carving. One of the most interesting aspects of the Chapel paintings is a unique painting technique of tempera on wood, which was employed in painting the ceiling and wall- panelling of St. Barbara’s Chapel. Some 150 painted planes have been preserved. The closed retable of the main wing altar depicts eight scenes of Christ’s passion, while the open one depicts four scenes from the life and martyrdom of St. Barbara. The main altar Turopolje’s Eleven painting shows the standing fig- ure of the saint. Other chapels are precious, too, and testify to the exceptional Wooden Beauties skills of Turopolje carpenters and Croatian artists who deco- rated the interior of some of he municipality of Turopolje be. This is also where archaeol- Although some of them date them. is characterized by wide low- ogists found the site of the Ro- back to the early Middle Ages, T The visitors who arrive in Zagreb lands, which used to be coverd man City including parts of the the eleven chapels which have in thick oak forests. It is situated main street, city baths, colon- been preserved till present day by plane, on the ride form Za- near the capital of Croatia, but nades and side streets, as well date back to the 17th century. greb Pleso Airport to the centre due to the influence of its nobili- as the remains of wall paintings, The roof has wooden panels of the city, can notice another ty and landed gentry it has man- ornaments, vessels, jewellery and it is supported by solid oak wooden beauty –the Chapel aged to preserve the adminis- and money forged by different beams. Distinguished examples of the Wounded Christ. Other trative independence of Zagreb Roman emperors, from Tito of wooden sacral architecture chapels can be visited by previ- since the 13th century. to Vales. In the pre-Christmas include the Chapel of St.Barbara ous arrangements, while in the Turopolje abounds in archaeo- period we might be mostly in- in Velika Mlaka, the Chapel of Chapel of St. Barbara mass serv- logical sites worth visiting. This terested in its wooden chapels, St. John the Baptist in Buševac, ice is held daily. is where Andautonia (today the unique oak beauties that St. Rocco’s Chapel in Cvetković This year a special Christmas Eve Ščitarjevo), the seat of an Illyr- served as modest shrines to Brdo, St. Antony’s Chapel in Mass will be held in the Chapel, ian tribe and the Roman prov- equally modest inhabitants of Gustelnica and the Chapel of marking 366 years since its con- ince of Upper Pannonia used to Turopolje. the Wounded Christ near Pleso. struction.

48 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 49 NAUTICAL TOURISM NAUTICAL TOURISM

In this issue of Croatia In Focus we are introducing you with the nautical tourism, which represents one of the most important branches of tourism in Croatia. In the forthcoming issues we will make you Nautical familiar with the development of nautical tourism in each of the Croatian Adriatic regions and we are sure that, after reading about them, you will wish to come and enjoy tourism in this impressive, rich and unique azure environment. Photo by: Renco Kosinožić

t may be an exaggeration to gerated label “country of a thou- Isay that the Croatian part of sand islands” usually attached to the Adriatic is genuinely beyond Croatia. comparison, but there is a sound The respected bimonthly ADAC rea¬son to get completely car- Reisemagazin places Croatia at ried away by the wealth and the very top of a range of nautical diversity of the unexpectedly regions in the world. According beautiful vistas revealed behind to ADAC, the sea in Croatia is the every new cape and with every cleanest one in the Mediterrane- passage through a new strait; an, receiving the highest scores the discovery of sights seemingly for its clarity, transparency, and newly created by nature. quality. This acclaimed maga- While sailing along the Adriatic zine dedicated an entire issue to coast, it’s easy to imagine that it Croatia, introducing it as a region is the most beautiful sea garden that offers more than a standard you have ever seen. Even if it was sun and beach vacation. only a figment of your imagina- tion conjured up by your enthu- CLEAR SEAS siasm, an overwhelming experi- AT 56 METERS ence of this unique area would And everywhere you look you’ll soon turn it into reality. find stunning scenery, just like the one you can enjoy when you ADAC CHOICE AND go sailing, for it is most unusual ACKNOWLEDGEMENT to find a transparent sea at 56 The total coastline running along meters! In the cradle of love be- a small, 783-kilometer-long Adri- tween man and nature, the Adri- atic Sea, is, together with that atic is the real guardian of the of the islands, 7,868 kilometers last hidden havens where nature long, with 74 per cent or 5,835 still rules: a paradise for Robin- kilometers belonging to Croatia. son Crusoe lovers. No Mediterranean country has The Croatian Adriatic has its such a rich archipelago with 66 eight world wonders which in- islands, 652 islets, 389 rocks, clude national parks and nature and 78 reefs that contribute to parks, such as Brijuni islands in ex¬ceptional indentation of the the north to the wooded Mljet coast and result in a slightly exag- with fjords in the extreme south.

50 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 51 Photo by: Ivo Pervan NAUTICAL TOURISM NAUTICAL TOURISM

There are huge contrasts and cultural monuments under the amazing natural beauty that pro¬tection of UNESCO . awaken the adventurous spirit in The chain of lighthouses, massive even the most reserved visitors. houses with towering lanterns, built during the rule of Francis BRIJUNI, KORNATI, Joseph and the Austro-Hungari- MLJET an period, is not only testimony The rare and exceptional beauty to great maritime traditions and of Brijuni adorns the north Adri- safe navigation, but is also a sym- atic, while the national parks of bol of the last call of the wild Risnjak, Sjeverni Velebit, and Pa- sea. klenica tower above the Kvarner Almost 50 unrivalled “eccentrics”, and Zadar island group towards one hundred islands, and one the central Adriatic. hundred capes enliven the route In the hinterland, on the main for those sailing the Adriatic from road to Zagreb and only two Savudrija to Sv. Andrija (Saint An- hours from the sea, are the drew) in front of Dubrovnik. The Plitvice Lakes with magnifi¬cent ancient lanterns shine their light waterfalls. To the south, the Krka on the romantic soul of every Falls tumble directly to the sea visitor to the Adriatic and awaken that penetrates deep into the the imagination for a Robinson mainland through the Sibenik is- Crusoe adventure. land group. The Zadar and Sibenik regions SUMMER IN are entwined by world famous MID-WINTER attractions: Telascica Nature The Croatian Adriatic predicts all Park and Kornati Na¬tional Park your wishes and dreams. With its adorned with 149 islands of the Photo by: Damir Fabijanić densely protected island group Kornati archipela¬go. Sailing scattered from north to south, it among the numerous islets near Hvar with its Pakleni Islands, Sce- offers hidden coves still in sight, the western cape of Solta and dro where you reach the extreme so safe from sud¬den storms or the lonely Drvenik, you find your- south, and the Dubrovnik region strong winds. self in the very heart of Dalmatia that stretches from Korcula to The radio network gives regular with its metropolis Split. Its ar- Lastovo and Mljet. information on safe navigation, chipelago is adorned by Bol on for which the Adriatic is well- the island of Brac. Then there is DUBROVNIK FOR known. Equipped marinas and protected coves with berths are DESSERT within easy reach. If you save visit to Dubrovnik for Even if a fierce wind is blowing, dessert, then it will remind you a navigator can relax and feel at that many of the wonders of the home in the Croatian sea. Adriatic were created by man. Few navigators can boast climatic Besides the Arena in Pula, you conditions where winds, such as will also find other testimonies the summer mistral, and the win- of history and culture such as ter north and south winds, blow the first written document of the gently and steadily from both, Baska Tablet on the island of Krk. unusual and well-known direc- Dalmatia will leave you breath- tions. But the unseen advantage less with its excitement and the of the Croatian Adriatic is the all charming medieval architecture year round tourist season. In the of the towns and the ancient winter, when the weather may origin of Split, Sibenik, Trogir, Za- still be warm, you can enjoy the dar, Nin, and the islands of Hvar sea as much as in the summer and Photo by: Damir Fabijanić and Korcula.. They are all world- still be sure to find a quiet place renowned destinations and even during high season. Photo by: Juraj Kopač

52 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 53 THE DAYS OF CROATIAN TOURISM THE DAYS OF CROATIAN TOURISM

was in joint projects on the local 2009 is considered to be a huge event pointed to the importance level. challenge. of cooperation in the service sec- On the second day of the event, In the following year we are ex- tor, both on EU and regional lev- THE DAYS OF the Days of Croatian Tourism ful- pecting tourist achievements at els. More than a thousand partic- filled the space of several Opatija least to be like those of this year’s, ipants gathered at the meetings hotels, where a range of profes- with the growth of financial ef- who expressed their great expec- sional meetings took place, from fects of 3% related to this year. tations for the Croatian Govern- CROATIAN TOURISM the meetings of Tourism Business Minister of tourism presented ment’s role in tackling problems Council at the Croatian Chamber new Ministry’s programmes in tourism and providing aid to of Economy, and the Croatian which would open wide oppor- the tourist sector. Hotel-Keeping Forum with the tunities of a co-operation on Minister Bajs informed that a he days of the Croatian Tour- analysis of the sector’s business further boosting of the quality of new law on tourist and other ism were held from the 22nd T activity, the conference of the our tourism, reminding that the constructing land was in the last to 24th October in Opatija and Tourism Council of the Croatian Croatian tourism was operating phase of preparation, while the gathered more than a thousand Tourist Board to the meetings of positively in the atmosphere of other one, the golf one, was be- participants from Croatia and counselling for both congress and the crisis that had started earlier ing completed. Moreover, he abroad, from the representa- incentive actions, and counselling than the current bank’s. said, Ministry of Tourism will en- tives of professional associations for the cultural tourism. Announcing the programmes, the sure a redistribution of already and organisations in tourism to minister emphasised actual im- existing means for additional pro- the representatives of the World plementation of the programme motional activities on the most Tourist Organisation, European Days of Croatian of education and training of the important markets, among other Commission and representatives Tourism – about staff in the tourism which sup- things because of the preparing of Tour Operators and European Croatian tourism on ported the promotion of tourist for enhanced competitiveness on associations, while the range of European market, occupations, and programmes in the world market, something that professional meetings was at- effects of the season preparation, like the support in Croatian Tourism is already used tended by some hundred journal- and about the renovation of passenger-excur- to, since it has been operating in ists. following season The tourist year 2008 is the year sion boats, as well as non-refund- that way for years. We are speaking about the big- of a constant growth, with the able aid to undeveloped Croatia’s The Days of Croatian Tourism gest meeting of the Croatian investment of more than 6 billion area in tourist terms. ended with awards presenta- Tourism that provides an ex- kuna into it, highlighted Minis- On the third day of the event, a tion - ˝Tourist Flower – Quality change of experience within a ter Damir Bajs, at the meeting of national tourist forum was held, for Croatia˝, implemented by the profession and discusses about Photo by Bosiljko Domazet tourist employees with the rep- with the subject ˝Croatian Tour- Croatian Radio and Television in the key subjects for the tourist resentatives of the Croatian Gov- ism in the European Context˝, at co-organisation with the Croatian sector, with the evaluation of the mented by the Croatian Radio many new programmes, which ernment, adding that it is going which the officials of the Euro- Chamber of Economy and ˝Blue current tourist season with the and Television in co-organisation is all going to contribute to even to be another good year for the pean Commission’s department Flower˝, then ˝Green Flower˝ announcement of the next. with the Croatian Chamber of greater competitiveness of the Croatian tourism, which is proved for tourism and the European as- and ˝Employee of the Year˝, im- Minister of Tourism Damir Bajs, Economy and ˝Blue Flower˝, then Croatian tourism as a strategic by already realised physical and sociation of hotel and restaurant plemented by the Croatian Tour- while opening the Days of the ˝Green Flower˝ and ˝Employee branch of the Croatian economy, financial results, but the year managers participating in the ist Board. Croatian Tourism, especially em- of the Year˝, implemented by the according to Bajs. phasised his satisfaction with Croatian Tourist Board. Croatian tourism is getting on the fusion of two most impor- The meeting with the representa- very well, highlighted Cordula tant manifestations of the year. tives of the international organi- Wohlmuther, the representative Opatija is the meeting point of all sations and with the representa- of the World Tourist Organisa- those important for tourism and tives of institutions in charge of tion, but also confirms that, as in by whom the Days of Croatian tourism from the neighbouring other countries, there are new Tourism start as the crown of this countries will give a starting challenges ahead it, particularly year’s season. impetuous for opinions about in creating price policy and pro- Formal gathering of the Croatian the following season, possible motion on foreign markets. tourist employees is held on the changes of opinions or a confir- The head of the Office for Econo- occasion of presenting awards mation of well chosen ways, said my of the Embassy of the Repub- and acknowledgements in the Minister. Optimistic expectations lic of Italy, Paolo Palminteri, re- action of evaluating the quality for 2009 are based on positive re- minded of numerous friendly and of the Croatian tourist destina- sults of this year’s tourist season, economic relations between the tions, companies and individuals by investments in this year and two countries, expressing his be- in the actions -˝Tourist Flower- the announcement of new quali- ing convinced that the future of

Quality for Croatia 2008˝, imple- ty capacities for the next year and the Croatian-Italian co-operation Domazet Bosiljko by Photo

54 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 55 CROATIAN TOWNS CROATIAN TOWNS

ture and fisheries for centuries, two parts, the southern one with boards. Congress halls with state- while the karst region dwellers exotic plants and grassland, and of-the-art equipment are also were active in forestry, agricul- the northern one, thickly planted added to the tourist offer. Restau- ture and cattle breeding. With the with laurel, pines and cedar trees. rants offer a wide variety of menu development of shipbuilding and Camelias, bamboos and bananas choices sure to please everyone. Opatija other industries, that couldn´t sur- are a valuable asset to the park. Besides a wealth of possibilities vive due to the vicinity of big port The park is also the most visited for relaxation at the seaside or and industrial centres of Rijeka one since it stretches along the in the mountains, one can enjoy Queen of tourism and Trieste, the economic struc- length of the popular promenade. playing tennis at some of the ten- ture of the area changed signifi- The second park was constructed nis courts or seaside strolls. There patija is an elite tourist des- inhabitants from Rijeka, Italy and cantly, while the focus of the area after the year 1900 and is situ- is plenty of fascinating content year- Otination, as well as the cen- Austria. turned to tourism and all the ac- ated just under the new beltway round including concerts, operas, tre of the riviera with the oldest The town flourished as the new companying activities (such as ca- of Opatija, with the diverging road theatre performances, festivals. tourist tradition in Croatia. It is travel routes were introduced, tering industry, trade, education running toward the centre of the The awesome contrast of the sea situated in the Bay of Kvarner, and the new railway line toward and culture, health service, handi- city. Although it contains walk- and the mountains, lavish green where the Mediterranean shores Vienna establishing the connec- crafts). Contemporary trends in ing paths, this park is less attrac- park and clear blue sea, historical draw closer to the Central Eu- tion between Zagreb and Buda- tourism have left their mark in tive and less visited because of its charm of old buildings and mod- ropean land, at the foot of Učka pest was constructed in 1873. mountain. Sheltered from the fierce winds by islands and Učka On the initiative of some eminent mountain, it is easily accessible in doctors such as Dr Schroeter, Dr all seasons. Billroth, Dr Oertl and all the oth- ers who valued Opatija’s natural Centred around the Benedictine beauty, the Society of the South- Abbey, and first mentioned in ern Railways from Vienna, head- the 12th century, Opatija has the ed by Friedrich Schuer embarked oldest tradition of tourism, dat- on the task of converting Opatija Photo by Petar Kürschner Petar by Photo ing back to the year 1844 when into one of the most prominent the first summer residence, Villa and visited tourist centres in Eu- 1894,on the initiative of Jaromir Angiolina, surrounded by lav- rope. After the first hotel was Baron von Mundy, the founder ish park, was built. The Villa was hastily built in 1884, Emperor of the Vienna ambulance service, erected by merchant Higinio von Franz Joseph proclaimed Opatija Opatija got its first Ambulance Scarpa. It was frequented by a health resort in 1889. It was vis- Service. some distinguished guests such ited for its numerous hotels and as Croatian governor Josip Jelačić, sanatoriums in grand villas. Zora Opatija was frequented by many Austrian empress Maria Anna, (Dawn) reading room was opened kings and emperors, particularly which soon made Opatija a popu- in the same year and soon be- in the winter time. Numerous lar excursion destination of the came a cultural hub of Croatia. In tourists and owners of the vil- las contributed to its horticul- tural grandeur by planting exotic Hreljanović Egon by Photo plants. Opatija was so attractive maritime and nautical tradition young trees. ern comfort, raucous fairs and that it was visited by the then that is kept alive through numerous The area abounds in historical and calm holiday resorts – all of this most prominent personalities of nautical and water sport activities. cultural monuments, both urban draws numerous tourists to Opat- the noble rank - princess Luisa and rural ones, including buildings ija year-round. von Sachsen Coburg, Romanian Not only did tourism bring eco- and parks that enrich the tourist king Charles I, Swedish-Norwe- nomic prosperity and architec- offer and create the conditions ˝The Old Lady˝, ˝The Pearl of gian king Oscar, etc. tural gems to Opatija, but it also for more successful economic the Adriatic sea˝, ˝The Queen contributed to the increase of ur- progress of Opatija. of Tourism˝ are just a few of the Opatija is culturally and linguisti- ban greenery and lush parks. Two Opatija boasts old buildings, foun- many names given to the town. Its cally heterogeneous due to its of the parks are protected as part tains, well-tended parks and il- beauty and charm leave no visitor historical development, as well as of the architectural heritage. The luminated coastal promenade. indifferent, so numerous tourists various economic resources.The one surrounding villa Angiolina Today one can find modern and return throughout their life to the coastal dwellers were orientated is one of the most beautiful gar- romantic hotels, campsites, town which, as they say, makes

Photo by Petar Kürschner Petar by Photo towards maritime affairs, agricul- dens on the Adriatic. It consists of private accommodations and them feel extraordinary.

56 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 | No. 40 No. 40 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2009 57 SPORT NEWS FLASH SPORT NEWS FLASH

European short course TERRIFIC swimming championship, Rijeka (11-14 December) SUCCESS OF 1. Russia 2. France 3. Italy CROATIAN 4. The Netherlands 5. Spain SWIMMERS 6. Croatia 7. Slovenia 8. Germany IN RIJEKA 9. Denmark 10. Austria

he 12th European short Nikša Roki, Mario Todorović, Ukraine, Sweden, Serbia, Great T course swimming champion- Saša Imprić, Bruno Barbić, Ante ship was held in Rijeka from De- Cvitković, Mario Delač, Gordan Britain, Finland, Hungary, cember 11th to December 14th Kožulj, Vanja Rogulj, Saša Gerbec, Switzerland, Lithuania, Norway, 2008. The event that once again Ivan Tolić, Ivan Perhat, Nikola put Croatia at the top of the Delić, Igor Čerensek, Alexei Pu- Poland and Slovakia world! Among 500 competitors ninski, Hrvoje Capan, Ivan Bilić, from 45 different countries the Duje Draganja, Erazmo Maršanić Croatian swimmers again proved and Michael Kostešić. Rijeka European Championship. Todorović, Aleksej Puninski and an extraordinary quality by add- Four medals and the sixth place She swam 56.87 on 100m back- Bruno Barbić) won a bronze med- ing two gold medals, two bronze on the best European nations stroke. She beat Katerina Zub- al closing grandiosely this 12th ones, one world and one Euro- scale is the proof of a continuous kova from Ukraine and a famous European short course swim- pean record to Croatia’s treasury success of Croatian swimmers Laure Manadou from France. ming championship in Rijeka. of success. in achieving top results at grand This was not the end, as only 24 They finished the race in 1 minute The new pool complex of Kantr- sporting events. hours later Sanja won gold on 23.68 seconds, and fixed Croatian ida attracted many sporting fans On the first day, Duje Draganja 50m backstroke. She set up the record swam in qualifications. new world record of 26.23 sec- that experienced a fantastic and his bronze medal in the The French team (Bernard, Gilot, onds. Our swimming heroine Championships and a very good 50-metre freestyle announced a Leveaux and Bousquet) set a new organisation. Some 400 media fruitful start for Croatia. Draganja was proclaimed the most suc- world record 1 minute 20.77 sec- representatives made this event finished the race with a time of cessful swimmer of the European onds, while Italy was the second to be properly followed. 21.15. The gold and silver medals Championship by winning two with 1 minute 23.37 seconds. During four days of the Champion- went to French swimmers Amau- gold medals on 50m backstroke, ship Croatia was represented by ry Leveaux (20.63) and Freder- together with the new world This Championship was marked thirty-one swimmer: Anja Trišić, ick Bousquet (20.69). Draganja’s record, and the European record by 17 world records, 14 European Smiljana Marinović Lidija Franić, medal is the 24th Croatian medal on 100m backstroke. records and 14 Croatian records. Sanja Jovanović, Monika Babok, at European short course champi- Yet another bronze medal in the The first ones to send messages Maja Pavlović, Ivana Pijanović, onships and the sixth bronze. end! On the last day of the com- of congratulations were the Presi- Matea Peteh, Željana Knežević, The day after, on Friday, the best petition, on Sunday, Croatia’s dent of the Republic of Croatia Adrijana Benčić te plivači Do- Croatian female swimmer Sanja men’s relay 4x50 meters med- Stjepan Mesić and Prime Minister minik Straga, Marko Strahija, Jovanović won golden medal in ley team (Duje Draganja, Mario dr. sc. Ivo Sanader.

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