Opening Moves of the Croatian Presidency - Arcturus Group
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Opening Moves of the Croatian Presidency
Table of contents Interview with MEP Željana Zovko 47 PRIORITIES OF THE Croatian PRESIDENCY 810 POLITICAL CALENDAR FOR THE NExT SIx MONTHS 1011 wHAT ABOUT Croatia? 12
happen in an orderly way. The UK is and will Erasmus is one of the most successful
Interview with MEP always be a great partner of all European
Member States and after Brexit the Croatian
presidency will guide the future UK-EU
programs for European integration in the
history of the EU. It has existed for more
than thirty years and has enriched the lives
Željana Zovko relations towards a fruitful and longstanding
cooperation. Within the EU, the Croatian
presidency will have to steer the new
balance between the Member States in the
of more than 9 million direct participants.
The European Parliament recognizes this
success and encourages its continuation.
Even more, we would like to see more
Council and engage with the other people engaging in the program, also
At the end of 2018, the European institutions to continue building a coming from Neighbourhood countries and
Parliament adopted its position on the prosperous and credible European Union. the Western Balkans. The Croatian
Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF1) presidency follows the same line as their
2021-2027. However, at the Council This is the first time Croatia is taking the predecessors and also insists that Erasmus
level, there are still sticking points on this Presidency of the Council of Ministers. must be adequately financed.
dossier. What are the ambitions of the What vision of Europe does Croatia want
Croatian Presidency regarding the to bring to its European counterparts? A similar message is used for the Common
negotiations on the MFF in the Agricultural Policy. These files are strongly
upcoming months? Do you think Croatia is the youngest Member of the EU attached to the debates of the Multiannual
Member States could reach an and after only 6 years after its accession, it is Financial Framework and Croatia is very
agreement in February/March 2020 as already presiding the Council of the ambitious to achieve positive results. They
recently announced by former Budget European Union. This is a great honour for a will follow the work of the Finnish and
Commissioner Günther Oettinger? country with such a moving background. Romanian Presidency and follow the
Croatia wants to show the European discussions in the European Parliament
In the presentation of its priorities for the Member States what the impact is of the closely.
upcoming presidency, The Croatian European values and principles on the
government already emphasized that the Željana ZOVKO country and its citizens and what great Croatia has announced its commitment to
MFF 2021-2027 is one of the key files and achievements you can establish with half a an effective enlargement policy, especially
Croatia will work rigorously to come to a decade of hard work. It is also a great in providing a realistic European
conclusion of the negotiations. presidency is looking forward to learning message for our friends in the Western perspective to the Western Balkans
from the Commission as to how they would Balkans to show that it is completely worth countries. In this context, what actions
In her Agenda for Europe, Ursula von der like to cooperate on this challenging, but it to keep that European dream alive. have been envisaged by the Croatian
Leyen, President elect of the European promising file. They will start constructive Presidency in order to encourage the
Commission, identifies action on climate reflections on the Commission’s proposal Croatian authorities have declared their reform processes under way in South-East
change, including a proposal for a and discuss it within all relevant parties. This intention to work towards strengthening Europe? Do you think that the refusal of
European Green Deal, as one of the top also includes the economical and societal the mobility of students, researchers and the European Council to open accession
priorities of her mandate. Croatian aspects, as well as transport and industry. teachers in Europe. In this context, what is negotiations with Albania and North
authorities have also put an accent on the the position of Croatia on the budget that Macedonia will have a negative impact on
development of ambitious environmental Croatia will inherit the Presidency of the should be allocated to the Erasmus the progress of these reforms in the
and climate change policies during their Council during the Brexit period. Do you program for the next programming region?
Presidency of the Council. What can we expect this situation to raise opportunities period? Would the Presidency support the
expect in terms of concrete initiatives in for the EU Member States to further substantial increase of the program budget With Croatia presiding in the Council, the
this specific area? consolidate their ties? as proposed by the European Parliament? youngest Member State of the EU, they
Given that the reform of the Common should use this momentum to make sincere
Croatia recognizes the importance of a Many Council presidencies have already Agricultural Policy (CAP) has not been progress in the enlargement debate. The
sustainable governance and witnesses the dealt with the Brexit issue and looking at concluded under the last legislature and is recent non-decision of the Council was a
impact of natural disasters every year. how the situation looks now; the Croatian still ongoing both in the European big disappointment for the Western
Protecting the environment and combating Presidency should be the final one. Croatia Parliament and in the Council, do you Balkans. North Macedonia and Albania
climate change is high on the agenda in the hopes that, if the UK leaves the EU, believe that its finalisation will be a priority worked rigorously, and historic
upcoming semester. The Croatian something that we deeply regret, it will for the Croatian Presidency? compromises have been reached. The halt
1 MFF: Multiannual Financial Framework 5
of enlargement opens space for other If I plan to go to Croatia for the weekend,
actors and is a seed for instability in the what should I absolutely see/discover?
region. As EPP Vice-Coordinator for the
Foreign Affairs Committee in the European I would definitely recommend visiting the
Parliament, I drafted and delivered a Croatian coast with more than thousand
resolution to emphasize the common regret islands and an endless amount of ancient
and to highlight the missed opportunity to architecture and history. The Croatian coast
improve peace and stability. Together with is famous for its beauty, full of pebbly
Chairman of the EPP Group Manfred beaches and clear turquoise water. Along
Weber, I travelled to North Macedonia to the coast, you can find preserved coastal
show that the EPP still supports the cities from Roman to Venetian times with
European aspirations of the Western beautiful architecture such as Zadar, Split
Balkans. In this light, the Croatian and Dubrovnik. Croatia has eight cultural
Presidency will organize a summit in Zagreb and two natural properties inscribed on the
to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the World Heritage List. The historic city of
2000 Zagreb Summit where the EU Trogir, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Stari Grad
promised a European perspective for the plain on Hvar, among others, are all places
region. It would be of great symbolic value one must visit when in Croatia. I would
if the Council could make progress in the specially recommend Plitvice Lakes National
enlargement file before this celebration. Park as a unique experience of natural
beauty. If someone prefers a quieter
Could you briefly introduce your country? atmosphere but superb local cuisine and
quality ethno-tourism, they should visit
Croatia is a Central European and continental Croatia.
Mediterranean country. With its beautiful
sea and coast, dense forests in the Which Croatian culinary speciality would
mountains and fertile fields in lowlands, it you recommend? Could you recommend a contemporary
vineyards located on Hvar Island. Whatever
combines the best characteristics one Croatian singer/writer/artist?
you choose to eat or drink in Croatia, you
country can have. Its history, culture and I would definitely recommend traditional
will not be disappointed.
heritage combined with welcoming and Croatian dish Peka. It is a dish made in a Croatia has many talented artists, but I
friendly people make Croatia a perfect brick oven under high temperatures for long would like to particularly recommend the
Which Croatian tradition are you proudest
country to visit. The biggest cities are the duration. Heat slowly cooks the lamb or creative work of the well-respected and
of?
capital Zagreb, tourist hotspot Split towards octopus meat to perfection. Served with admired singer Oliver Dragojević, who has
the south, the port of Rijeka on the northern potatoes and salad it is a classic Croatian moved Croatians for decades with his
Our cultural heritage is very important to
Adriatic and Osijek in the northeast. dish. In addition, there are wide varieties of beautiful songs. In addition, I would
me as I am currently member of Committee
traditional cakes and sweets. In all of recommend contemporary author Miro
for Culture and Education in the European
Croatia, you will find varieties of apple and Gavran, a writer of short stories, fiction and
Parliament. It is very hard to single out one
cherry strudel pies, and in Dalmatia, the drama whose works have been translated
tradition I am most proud of. Croatia has 17
most common sweets are Fritule, a donut- into 40 languages, making him the most
intangible Cultural Heritages that have
like type of traditional holiday treat. In Inner translated Croatian writer.
been added to the UNESCO list. From the
Croatia, the most famous treates are walnut
annual carnival bell ringers’ pageant,
cakes called Orehnjača and Međimurska
Ojkanje singing, Sinjska Alka to Klapa and
Gibanica, a kind of cheese-layered cake
the Festivity of Saint Blaise in Dubrovnik,
from the region of Međimurje in the North.
Croatia is rich in culture and heritage. I
Along with excellent cuisine, Croatia is
personally appreciate the tradition of
famous for its wines. The most famous
Croatian folklore dancing like Lado and
wines are the red sourly wine called Plavac
traditional Dalmatian singing, Klapa, but
Mali from the Pelješac Peninsula and the
every part of our heritage is important.
Bogdanuša white wine from ancient Greek
7
Priorities of 2 a Europe that connects
the Croatian Presidency As the world is becoming more and more connected every day, the Croatian Presidency will
focus on connectivity across Europe, particularly in the transport and energy sectors.
For the first time since its accession, Croatia will preside the European Council between
Regarding transport, the Presidency hopes to improve trans-European transport networks and
January and June 2020. Just like its predecessor (Finland), Croatia is set to inherit several
encourage their extension to neighbouring regions, as well as focus on digitalisation and
sensitive files, such as:
innovation in all branches. Furthermore, special priority will be given to shipping as part of the
• The Multiannual Financial Framework 2021 – 2027 (MFF, long term budget of the EU): future strategy for a competitive and sustainable maritime sector. On land transport, the
Alongside the Council’s new president Charles Michel, Croatia will contribute to reaching objective will be to conduct and conclude the negotiations with the Parliament on rail
consensus on the MFF, which is set to be the financial driver behind the EU’s policies from passenger rights and eurovignette.
2021 to 2027. For now, the negotiations around the MFF are frozen, with disagreements
Data will also be at the heart of Croatia’s priorities, especially 5G and artificial intelligence. The
both between the three EU institutions and among Member States. Croatia is also likely
country will thus focus on the implementation of the 5G toolbox, which should be adopted by
to aim at preserving the budget allocated for cohesion and to keep Member States’
the end of 2019.
participation at its current level of 15%. The Croatian Presidency will work towards an
agreement as soon as possible, in order to ensure a swift implementation by 2021.B The Croatian Presidency will encourage the integration of the energy market through further
• Brexit: during the six months of its mandate, Croatia is likely to deal with the United establishment and implementation of the Energy Union. Special attention will be given to the
Kingdom’s departure of the European Union, set for 31 January. Although the EU has realisation of activities related to the five pillars of the Energy Union. It will also focus on the
been preparing itself for this day for a while now, Brexit will probably entail additional transposition into national legislations of the legislative files from the Clean Energy package and
work for the Presidency. initiative discussions on the future gas markets.
1 a Europe that is developing 3 an influential Europe
The Croatian Presidency’s first priority will be to support a balanced, sustainable and inclusive • Multilateralism, crisis response
development of the EU while taking into account the specificities and needs of all Member
In the context of growing tensions between the United States and China, and other global
States, their regions and their citizens. As such, it will focus on:
challenges, Croatia wants to contribute to maintaining the EU’s leadership in the areas of
• Regional development and the reduction of differences between Member States; freedom, security and justice. More specifically, Croatia’s presidency is likely to promote the
development of more joint action in counterterrorism, trade wars and migration, as well as to
• Ensuring the equal quality of products on the markets of all Member States; support the EU’s strategic involvement in multilateral crisis-response fora such as NATO.
• Implementing the European Pillar of Social Right;
• Promoting equality and empowering women in society and on the labour market; • Western Balkans
In the field of enlargement, Croatia regrets the Council’s deadlock on the opening of EU
• Further deepening the single market;
accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia and therefore has the intention of
• Strenghthening the competitiveness of European industry and the digitalisation of promoting a different approach to the Western Balkans. Until May’s EU-Western Balkans
businesses; Summit, Croatia is thus committed to support further reform among candidate States and to
• Implement the Paris Agreement and further discuss about a “green Europe”. encourage its peers to better acknowledge the progress done so far.
9
4 a Europe that protects 03 | March 04 | April
• 4th: Executive Vice-Presidents Frans • Serbia should be holding
• External borders Timmermans, Margrethe Vestager and parliamentary elections. Polls put
Valdis Dombrovskis will present the incumbent PM Ana Brnabić’s SNS
In the context of Croatia’s bid to join the Schengen club by the end of 2020, its presidency
European Commission’s proposals on (centre-right) in a leading position to
should also feature an emphasis on the improvement of the securitization of the EU’s external
a New Circular Economy Action Plan, decide on the next coalition, which
borders, including a special focus on Croatia’s 1000-kilometer-long border with Bosnia and
Industrial Strategy, SME Strategy and might still include Serbia’s second
Herzegovina.
the Single Market. biggest party, the SPS (centre-left).
• Migration • 15th and 22nd: France will hold local • 12th: Parliamentary elections are
elections in two rounds to vote on the planned in North Macedonia. These
In the subject of migration, Croatia wants to reform the Common European Asylum System and
mayors and local councils of its 34 968 early elections have been called in the
might push for the principle of a differentiated solidarity, in an effort to enable better
municipalities. Polls put Macron’s lead-up to the European Council’s
cooperation between Member States.
LaREM candidate Benjamin Griveaux rejection of the country’s request to
neck and neck with incumbent mayor commence its accession talks with the
Anne Hidalgo’s PS and current MEP EU.
Political calendar for the
Rachida Dati’s LR in Paris. • The Conference on the Future of
• 26th-27th: European Council. Europe is expected to take place in
Spring 2020 at the latest and run for
next six months
two years. Said conference, to be
organised by the European Parliament,
05 | May Council and Commission, is one of
Commission President Ursula von der
01 | January 02 | February • Presidential elections are set to be
held in Poland and will be organised
Leyen’s most prominent commitments.
It aims to give citizens the chance to
contribute to shaping the future of the
• The European Commission is • 2nd: Executive Vice-President by universal suffrage, in two rounds. European Union.
expected to publish several proposals Margrethe Vestager, in charge of Current president Andrzej Duda, who
relating to the economy (portfolio of digital policies, will present the is officially independent but formerly a
Executive Vice-President Valdis Commission’s proposals developing member of PiS, benefits from high
Dombrovskis), such as a Sustainable the European approach to Artificial approval ratings and is said to be a
Europe Investment Plan, a Roadmap
on Social Europe, an Initiative on Fair
Intelligence.
• 29th: Slovakia will hold elections to the
likely candidate to his own succession.
• An EU-Western Balkans Summit has
06 | JUNE
Minimum Wages in the EU and a National Council, its sole chamber of been planned by the Croatian 2020 EU • 18th-19th: European Council.
Review of the Stability and Growth
Pact.
Parliament, which will lead to the Presidency. EU leaders should discuss • 21st-25th: Hideout Festival, one of
formation of a new government. enlargement and neighbouring policy Europe’s biggest electronic music
• 29th: the European Commission’s 2020 Opinion polls put incumbent PM Peter and will have a second chance to festival will take place, like every year,
Work Programme will be made public. Pellegrini’s centre-left party, the Smer- agree on allowing North Macedonia on Zrce Beach (island of Pag). Do not
• 31st: Brexit is scheduled to happen by PD, in the driving seat to form the next and Albania to start their accession miss out on the fun, 2020 marks the
that date, after EU leaders agreed to coalition. talks with the EU. 10th anniversary.
offer yet another extension for the • Presidential elections will be held in • The Presidency of the Council will
divorce date. In October, as new PM Greece. The President will be elected organise in Zagreb a Digital Assembly,
Boris Johnson had promised to «get for a five-year term by the Greek an event which will give stakeholders
Brexit done », he was legally bound by Parliament. A full list of official and citizens the opportunity to take
the British Parliament to ask for this candidates is not yet known. part of the discussions on European
extension. digital policy.
11
What about Croatia? GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS HISTORY
• Located in the northwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula, Croatia has a population of • Croatia, at one time the Roman province of Pannonia, was settled in the 7th century by the
4 100 000 people. The largest city and the national capital is Zagreb. Croats.
• On July 1st, 2013, Croatia joined the European Union, a historical step for the country. • In 1945, Croatia became on the six constituent republics of the Yugoslav Socialist
• Its neighboring countries are Slovenia and Hungary (North), Serbia (East), and Bosnia and Federation.
Herzegovina and Montenegro (South). Croatia shares a maritime border with Italy in the • First free elections took place in 1990 (for more than 50 years) and in June 1991, Croatia
Adriatic Sea. became fully independent from Yugoslavia through a declaration of independence voted
• The Croatian flag (Zastava Hrvatske) or The Tricolour (Trobojnica), consists of three by the Parliament.
equally sized, horizontal stripes in red, white and blue. In the middle is the coat of arms of • In 2003 Croatia submitted formal application for EU membership and the two years later
Croatia. EU countries agree to start accession talks.
• The coastal and insular areas of Croatia are popular tourist destinations like Hvar, a port • In 2009 Croatia officially joined NATO and in 2013 became the 28th EU member state.
town and a summer resort, Korčula an island with medieval towers and walls, Brač, the
Croatian island best known for its white-pebble beach.
13
tourist tips : food, drinks & places FUN FACTS
Zagreb
Zagreb’s Old Town is home to
Šibenik
The city offers a blend of Suit up !
Croatia
famous historical buildings
Global
Mediterranean architecture,
such as St. Mark’s Church, island beaches and festival Tired of suiting up? Blame
Lotrščak Tower, and the culture. It is also known for its Croatia! The necktie, known in
beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption of fortresses: particularly French as a cravate, is a portmanteau
the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well impressive is the St. Nicholas’ of the words croat and hrvati
as the Dolac fruit and fortress, which was built at sea (Croatian in Croatian), and the
vegetable market. with only a narrow path linking country of origin of the fashionable Despite a
it to the mainland. garment. population
of 4 million
in Croatia,
Zadar The Plitvice Lakes almost the same
The former capital of Dalmatia The 8km string of 16 lakes, number of Croatians live abroad. The
combines medieval heritage hemmed in by densely forested largest Croatian diaspora can be found in
with a bustling café life, a hills, presents some of the most the United States, followed by Germany
vibrant bar scene and the kind eye-catching scenery in and Australia.
yum yum!
of avant-garde architectural mainland Croatia, with water
projects that give the seafront rushing down from the upper
101 dalmatians
the appearance of a lakes via a sequence of
contemporary art installation. waterfalls.
Stars of the Disney movies
and best known
Konoba Fetivi (Split) as firefighting
Wine Bar Bornstein Wine lovers dogs, Dalmatians
One of the best originate in the historical
(Zagreb) beware! Despite
restaurants in Split,
Set inside of a cozy cellar, not being known as a traditional region of Dalmatia,
Konoba Fetivi is known for
the bar displays a wide wine-producing country, the along Croatia’s
its fuss-free traditional
range of Croatian wines famous white Zinfandel grape southwestern
cuisine. The family-run
hailing from the Adriatic known from Californian vineyards, coast.
establishment whips up
coast to the hills of Zagreb. local specialties that will actually originated in Croatia.
Restaurant 360° leave you salivating.
Back to the
(Dubrovnik)
Within the walls of
Roman times
Dubrovnik, 360° offers an
impressive view of the old
port. Mouth-watering
Mediterranean cuisine is Fascinated by ancient history, but not in the
what you’ll enjoy as the mood to wait in the queues to see the
chef blends traditional Coliseum in Rome? Take a trip to Pula
flavors with exciting twists. instead, to visit the best-preserved Roman
The produce is fresh and amphitheater. In 2012, it even hosted an
locally sourced. international hockey game!
15
SPORTS
Sport in Croatia plays a significant role and the country is, based on its population, one of
the most successful at the international level.
m o Za
na
The most popular sport is football, the
country having reached a World Cup Final
gr
Di
lit
in 2018 and Semi-Final in 1998 loosing each
eb
time against France. Famous football
uk S p
players in history are Luka Modric, the 2018
Golden Ball currently playing for Real Madrid,
Davor Suker, Alen Boksic and Zvonimir Boban.
dj
Ha The local scene is mainly marked by the rivalry
And for the real tv buffs, between Dinamo Zagreb and Hadjuk Split.
check out Diocletian’s
Palace in Split and Klis
As well, Croatia has been very successful in water polo
Fortress, host to some
both at international level (2 World Championships and
famous scenes from
one Gold Olympic Medal) and at club level becoming
seasons 2 and 3.
the Euroleague Champions a total of 13 times.
Want to show off in a conversation? Croatian
ic
TV history
ov Basketball players (such as Drazen
zen Petr
Petrovic or Toni Kukoc) were the
Toni first foreign players to succeed in
If you aren’t too interested by Roman the NBA and are considered key to the
Ku
history and prefer something more present-day mass influx of European
ra
koc
Feeling the winter depression? modern, don’t worry, Croatia has
D
players into the NBA.
Not in Croatia! Croatia is one of what you’re looking for! Game
Europe’s sunniest countries, with of Thrones, one of the most
over 2700 sunshine hours per popular tv series of all time, an Iv
year. Perfect to catch up on some has one of its major sets in Croatia is as well a prolific or
G
vitamin D!
an
Dubrovnik, which stands in handball nation, winning the
i s e vi c
for King’s Landing. goal medal at the 1996 and
2004 Summer Olympics ic
and the 2003 World
o Bal
Championship. It is also worth
noting the figure of Ivano Balic,
an
considered as the best handball
player in history.
Iv
Solo island hopping Other famous Croatian athletes include the likes of alpine skiing siblings
While Croatia has over 1000 islands, the fifth-most of Janica Kostelic and Ivica Kostelic, track and field athlete Blanka Vlasic and
any EU country, only 48 of them are inhabited. tennis players Goran Ivanisevic, Ivan Ljubicic and Marin Cilic.
17
Opening Moves of the
Croatian Presidency
As the clock will strike midnight on December 31st, Croatia will for the first time inherit
the EU Presidency. For a country so deeply rooted in the history of Europe and having
to balance its ties between East and West, it is only fitting that one of Croatia’s
national symbols is the checkerboard.
While it is perhaps most easily recognized abroad on the famous chequered national
football team’s jerseys, this symbol can be traced as far back to the 10th century.
According to legend, King Držislav won his freedom against his captor, the Doge of
Venice, by winning three consecutive chess matches. To honour his victory, he
incorporated the symbol that won him his freedom into his official coat of arms.
This symbol permeated through history and was used to identify Croatia since the
Middle Ages on the flags of the Hapsburg monarchy as well as in more recent history,
signifying the importance of Croatia, its lands, and coastline.
Indeed, Croatia’s position at one of the key crossroads of Europe exemplifies the
ambition of the new European Commission to be geopolitical. Much like sailors of
yore navigating the narrow Adriatic Sea, the new European Commission will have to
navigate through the diversities of Europe, from North to South, East to West, and
face new challenges head-on. As a country that has steered itself through worse times,
who better to be at the helm of the European Presidency? Your move, Croatia.Brussels office
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