Without fireworks and a grand spectacle, in a rather ‘decent’ atmosphere, carried by the EU anthem, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, Croatia has become the 28th member of the European Union.
On the night that Prime Minister Zoran Milanović called historic, he stated that the Croatia we are building is a mosaic composed of four and a half million free understandings of its own country, its past, present, and future. Croatia, he says, knows that on this night it is not running away. We remain where we are, but now with a new responsibility. It is up to us to extend a hand to the countries in the region in the swift adoption of European criteria.
– Paraphrasing the thought of a great figure of Western philosophy, I will say that in a state, as well as in a person, what is great is the bridge, not the goal. The journey, not the destination. Croatia has chosen to be a bridge to a better future for the region, where pro-European aspirations are the most effective means of overcoming past traumas – said Milanović, adding that Croatian identity is composed of many contradictory components, and that Western civilization has permeated all spheres of society. On the other hand, he values the Balkans with ‘oriental influences’ – the bittersweet Mediterranean, the cradle of civilization, has always been our connection to the world, he vividly explained.
He believes that all member states of the European Union will be open to experiencing Croatian uniqueness, and the greatest figures of Croatian culture and science, also important figures in the history of the modern world (Nikola Tesla, Andrija Štampar, Ivo Andrić, Antun and Faust Vrančić, Lavoslav Ružička, Ivan Meštrović, Ruđer Bošković, Vladimir Prelog) give him reason to believe that his ambitions are not the result of audacity and arrogance.
The most important project of Croatia is the development and encouragement of intellectual curiosity.
– In primary schools, high schools, and universities lie the keys to a freer and more fulfilling life. It is the permanent obligation of this state and union to make those keys as accessible as possible to all people. This is a prerequisite for all our hopes for prosperity and success – concluded Milanović.
The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, also addressed those gathered in Zagreb’s central square.
– Dear friends, we are gathered here on this historic night, thanks to you, the Croatian people. Your desire to join the EU and your hard work have led to this moment. Your hard work means that Croatia is fully ready to join the Union. Just as the European Commission supported your accession, we will assist you as a full member. Croatia is an example to other countries in the region. You have undertaken demanding reforms, you have extended a hand of reconciliation. The Union is open to all countries that share European values. Welcome to the European Union – he concluded in Croatian.
– When the clock struck midnight, your country crossed an important threshold. You have always been Europeans, now you are citizens of the European Union. On behalf of all 27 member states, I wholeheartedly welcome you – joined him Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council.
In Zagreb’s square was also Martin Schultz, President of the European Parliament.
– Together we have built a space with the highest freedom, social justice, and prosperity in the world. The European Union represented a promise of peace. The European Union and integration meant a magnet for peace and change. Croatia is a pioneer of the true European spirit. You have established institutions based on the values of democracy, reconciliation, and the rule of law. Welcome to the European Union! Welcome home – and he also wished us welcome in Croatian to our new family.
The official speeches were somehow rounded off by President Ivo Josipović.
– Today is a great and joyful day for our homeland Croatia. This is the day when dreams have come true, not only for this generation but for many past generations. Europe has been, is, and will be the idea to which we belong. Europe is a key part of our national identity. We belong to it not only because of our geographical position but also because of the values we share. The story of Croatian success is a story of unity, perseverance, ambition, and vision. This is the first day of our European future, the first day of a great opportunity that is being offered to us, the first in a series of days that offer an opportunity that means work, success, and affirmation for many – Josipović optimistically summarized. His optimism, at least on that historic night, was joined by around ten thousand people, according to official estimates.
