Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-03-31-Speech-3-178"
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"en.20040331.5.3-178"2
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".
Mr President, as you know, on 21 February 2003 Croatia filed an application to accede to the European Union with all the formalities and responsibility required for such action. The Commission will express its opinion on this application by the end of April. The European Parliament, via my report, prepared a proposal for a recommendation to the Council on the application by Croatia for accession in accordance with Rule 49, paragraph 1 of the Rules of Procedure, which was endorsed by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy. This report required particular attention in order to be balanced and adequately substantiated, so that the initiative of the European Parliament for a recommendation to the Council would be duly considered by it and would represent the views and demands of all sides in an exemplary manner. I thank my honourable friends for their help in this direction.
We call on this House to vote in favour of this report and the amendment proposed by the Group of the Party of European Socialists, which I endorse.
In brief, the main points of this report, to which Croatia must give due attention, are the following: first, the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia. Note is taken of the progress made towards cooperation with this international court, as well as of the remaining matters outstanding, especially now that General Gotovina has been handed over to the Court.
Secondly, the return of refugees and displaced persons. Parliament attaches great importance to the honouring of this promise, which it considers to be one of the basic criteria for the accession of Croatia to the European Union. It notes with satisfaction the election of minority representatives to parliament, but expects more to be done to safeguard all the preconditions for the return of refugees and displaced persons, such as legal protection, housing, reconciliation and their smooth integration into Croatian society, without discrimination or fear.
Thirdly, good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation. Good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation are on the right path and the report emphasises that this is a key precondition for the development of democracy in Croatia itself, as well as an example for the safeguarding of peace, stability and economic development in the area as a whole.
Fourthly, the judicial system and administrative infrastructure. Note is made of the reforms and adjustments to the judicial system in accordance with that which prevails in the European Union, but exemplary application and incontestable social acceptance are expected in the interpretation of the laws, as well as in raising the authority of judges. Similarly, a modern administrative infrastructure is one
for the correct management of Community resources, while particular attention is expected in combating any cases of corruption and in quickly serving citizens.
Fifthly, the tripartite dialogue between Croatia, Italy and Slovenia must continue in the good spirit which surrounds it today so that all the differences and outstanding issues can be settled.
Sixthly, freedom of expression and independence of the mass media. Freedom of expression and the independence of the mass media are the basic precondition to the operation of democracy and no interference in the freedom of expression in the form of state intervention is justified.
Seventhly, free market economy. The progress made by Croatia with the operation of the free market is recognised and note is made of the achievements of Croatia, both in the year on year increase in gross national product over recent years and in the reduction in the level of inflation, which is close to the European Union average.
Eighthly, new government and European orientation. The determination of the new government to continue the efforts of the previous government in following a European orientation is considered positive and the willingness of the new government to promote all the necessary reforms so that Croatia can advance quickly towards the objective of integration into the European Union, which it too wants, is particularly appreciated."@en1
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