You had to change, each chapter meant reforms

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed a welcome to Croatia in the European Union via a video message on Saturday, reminding that Croatia still needs to progress, especially in the areas of legal security and the fight against corruption.

– The day after tomorrow, Croatia will become a member of the European Union. The European Union will then have 28 member states, and we look forward to the new member – said Merkel at the beginning of the message. The German Chancellor reminded that Croatia entered the EU accession process in 2004, when ‘years of hard negotiations’ began. – Croatia had to change, the opening of each chapter meant the need for the implementation of new reforms – she recalled.

– I congratulate Croatia for having traveled this path together with us and for us being able to now welcome Croatia as a new member – said the German Chancellor, noting that EU accession does not end ‘political work’. – Especially in the area of legal security and the fight against corruption, further steps need to be taken – she said, warning of the need for further reforms in the areas of the economy and labor market.

– But this applies not only to the new member Croatia, it applies to all of us. Because Europe lives in a changing world and we must continually show that we are competitive and that we can export our products so that new jobs are created in our countries – said Merkel.

Merkel reminded of the fact that Croatia is located in the area that was covered by the former Yugoslavia and that it is the second EU member from that area. ‘This also means that we keep our word. We said that all countries of the Western Balkans have the perspective of EU accession. The example of Croatia shows that this path is long, as the period from 2004 to 2013 represents a long time frame.’

The German Chancellor particularly addressed Croats in Germany in the context of Croatia’s EU accession. – I am happy for the 220,000 Croats living in Germany, because now they will have many benefits. The EU has thus not only gained an additional four million citizens living in Croatia, but Croats in Germany will now also be able to participate in municipal and European elections and have many administrative benefits – she said.

– All in all: Welcome Croatia to the European Union! – concluded the German Chancellor her video message.