A comparably small country in size and population, but big in human potential and appetite for innovations, Croatia is the cradle of some universally… - Andrej Plenković

Croatia has no ambition to stall or make more difficult our neighbours’ path to the EU. On the contrary, we have been very much a bridge, an influencing country that has unselfishly offered all the experience which is most recent, and thus most relevant for their path to the European Union – trying to address the questions that were mentioned by some of the Members.

Sadly, the first years of our independence were marred by war. Today, that war is far behind us, but the tragic experience of it has helped us to better grasp the full importance of peace and the values defended by the Council of Europe.

I also regret that we haven't done more about tolerance in Croatian society and inclusiveness.