June 25, 2013

Brussels – On 1 July 2013, the Republic of Croatia will make its official entry into the European Union. This important date is the culmination of a 10 year process when Croatia officially applied for EU membership in 2003.

The European Movement International (EMI) welcomes the accession of Croatia and congratulates its people and authorities for this great achievement. EU accession has been a strong incentive for the country to undertake reforms. These efforts must continue after the accession. The date of 1 July 2013 will be an historical date for the EU and the Western Balkans, as it marks the first entry into the Union of a country of the Western Balkans. It is not only a positive outcome for Croatia, but it is also a hopeful sign for the other countries of the region that have been striving toward an EU membership.

Free movement is an essential part of the European project; thus the EMI further calls on the EU Member States to allow the free movement of people and workers from Croatia without applying restrictions.

In view of the celebrations due to take place on 1 July 2013, Nataša Owens, President of the Executive Board of the EM Croatia and Board member of the EMI, said:

“This will certainly be a great day for the Croatian people and the government. The European Movement Croatia has been promoting the EU in Croatia during the entire negotiation process and has worked hard to assist the government in undertaking all the necessary reforms. We see this new step as a great achievement but also as an opportunity to continue improving the country in some key areas. We are also committed in assisting our neighbouring countries in their work towards EU membership.”

[ENDS]

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Editor’s Note: The European Movement International (EMI) is the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisation with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions.

EMI Media Contact: For more information, please contact Marine Vallet at +32 (0)2 508 30 88 or marine.vallet@europeanmovement.eu