prijava
SARAJEVO, January 12 (FENA) - The Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in BiH celebrated the start of Croatia's presidency of the Council of the European Union on Saturday evening with a concert by the chamber ensemble "Arbor Vitae Trio".
Croatian Ambassador to BiH Ivan Sabolić said, in his opening address, that the presidency represents a historic moment for his country, which is why they wanted to mark it together in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with friends and neighbors.
"Croatia, which has suffered war and aggression, has become a member of the European Union with a desire to build a Europe of peace and prosperity, a Europe of shared values, together with other European nations. Now, in the role of the presiding country of the Council of the European Union, Croatia has the opportunity, in partnership with the Member States and all institutions, to give its contribution," said Sabolić.
He added that Croatia has prepared a program of its presidency whose priorities are united in the motto "A Strong Europe in a World of Challenges". Croatia's priorities will be sustainable economic growth, integration, security and enlargement policy.
"Believing firmly in the European identity of the countries of the European Southeast, we will strive for the continuation of consistent, effective and credible enlargement policy, based on the confirmed European perspective of candidates and potential candidates with full fulfillment of the established criteria," Sabolić emphasized.
He stressed that his country is ready to help BiH on its European path with its recent experience in the negotiation process, but also with its position as an EU member and that Croatia will advocate for the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards EU candidate status.
"We must not forget that the European Union is not a mere free trade zone or a social refuge. It is a project of living together in peace, a project initiated and inspired by the horrific experiences of European wars and immense tragedies of states, peoples and individuals. This is why it is still worth fighting for a Europe of shared values today," Sabolić said.
The concert, which gathered representatives of BiH authorities, diplomatic corps and other senior guests, was the first in a series of cultural events that will be organized during the six-month presidency by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(FENA) S. R.
