EC President Ursula von der Leyen visits Croatia

ZAGREB; (Patria) - Croatia is an extremely successful European story, said the elected President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Zagreb on Tuesday in a brief statement to journalists before talks with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

Croatia is the youngest member of the European Union, and yet at the beginning of 2020, it will preside over the Council of the EU.

"Croatia is an extremely successful story and it is a model for many, many countries," said von der Leyen.

She expressed admiration for Croatia's achievements and thanked Croatia and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for their support for her election. She presented the guidelines of her presidency of the European Commission two weeks ago, and on this occasion, she reminded of the importance of topics such as innovation, digitalization, and demography.

"I think there are many opportunities in that (demographic) challenge if we approach this issue in the right way," she said.

She listed primarily support for parents and subsidies. Demographic decline is a problem faced by many countries.

However, Europe is a leader, we can explore how to approach this problem and benefit because "there are ways to turn (challenges) into opportunities".

She reiterated the already highlighted goals of her presidency.

"My political goals are to balance East and West, balance North and South, balance smaller and larger member states," she said.

However, this can only be achieved through unity, emphasized von der Leyen.

"If we are united, progressive, strong, if we speak with a strong European voice," we can succeed.

Prime Minister Plenković said that the Croatian side will use today's meeting to present Croatia's specifics to the EC President.

"The Republic of Croatia is catching up not only with the old member states but also with the new ones that joined in 2004 and 2007, in order to reach the level appropriate for those who are developed in this European family," he said.

He mentioned the fulfillment of all criteria for Croatia's entry into the Schengen area, and for the strategy of introducing the euro.