EU referendum

A round table on the referendum for Croatia’s accession to the European Union held at VERN'

In the eye of the referendum for Croatia’s accession to the European Union, a round table was held at VERN', entitled "Are you for Croatia’s accession to the European Union – YES or NO?".

Participants of the round table were: the Advisor to the President of the Republic of Croatia for Foreign Policy, Mr. Joško Paro; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Croatia, His Excellency Bo Eric Weber; ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Croatia, His Excellency Wiesław Tarka, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Croatia, His Excellency Henrik Ofstad.

The participants pointed out that Croatia would, by joining the EU, enter a union of the most developed countries in Europe and that it would equally participate in the creation of the European policy. Advisor to the President for Foreign Policy, Joško Paro, emphasized that the citizens were insufficiently informed during the negotiations, which lead to a misunderstanding regarding the topic in question, on the eve of the decision at the referendum. He reminded us that certain positive changes in Croatian everyday-life are a direct result of the transformation of the system and adjustment to the EU.  For example,  improvements in consumer rights and the fight against corruption, indicate that the legal framework of the EU has strengthened the foundations for further development.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark, which is currently presiding the Union, His Excellency, Bo Eric Weber pointed out that the citizens of smaller-sized countries are often suspicious because of the share, i.e. representation of their representatives in the EU Parliament. From the perspective of the European Union, Weber explained, that it only matters to which extent a new member is able to contribute to the common European development and building of a successful society, rather than its size.

For example, the accession of Poland to the European Union was supported by 77% of its citizens, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, His Excellency Wiesław Tarka said at the round table that the Polish citizens have been feeling significant benefits since the accession of the country to the EU. Poland is the only member who has not, despite the crises, felt the recession because the country has used the European funds correctly, directing them into economic growth.

"The European Union will not solve internal problems of its members, such as unemployment or pensions, because the countries have to deal with such issues themselves. Still, it is a fact that Poland has reduced unemployment rate after the accession to the EU to 10%, while its export to the EU countries has risen to 70 percent", the Polish ambassador explained.

The round table participants concluded that the accession to the European Union guarantees peace and stability, and places Croatia into the legal and economic framework of the EU, which is the reason why international partners will begin to perceive us differently  Following the round table was a open discussion with students on this topic.