During the meeting, the Speaker, Gordan Jandroković, and the Members of the Croatian Parliament presented the priorities of the Croatian Presidency, especially those that would be discussed at parliamentary meetings, to the College of Commissioners of the European Commission. It was emphasized that during the Croatian Presidency, the members of national parliaments would have the opportunity to exchange views with the invited Commissioners on a number of current topics. With regard to democratic legitimacy, the members of national parliaments play an important role in bringing European issues closer to citizens, and in this regard, Members of the Croatian Parliament welcomed the Conference on the Future of Europe and the continuation of dialogue with European citizens.
Members of the European Commission expressed their full support for Croatia, pointing out that its successful Presidency represented the interest of all European institutions and Member States and were looking forward to future cooperation with the Croatian Parliament.
Current European topics were also discussed – UK’s withdrawal from the EU, Multiannual Financial Framework and enlargement policy, as well as major European Commission initiatives such as the European Green Deal.
Members of the Croatian Parliament particularly emphasized the Multiannual Financial Framework and the necessity to reach an agreement on the balanced further financing of value-added policies and financing policies addressing new challenges. It was pointed out that cohesion policy had a strong European added value, and due to its contribution to economic growth, social inclusion, innovation and environmental protection, it was particularly important for less developed areas. Regarding enlargement policy, Speaker Jandroković reiterated how important a continued credible enlargement policy was for Croatia, stating that during its Presidency Croatia would strive for a continued credible enlargement policy for European perspective of candidate countries and potential candidate countries, provided that they meet the established accession criteria.
In conclusion, they welcomed the ambition to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent and the world leader, and emphasized that Croatia supported all efforts towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.
