Deputy Prime Minister visits Croatia to celebrate EU accession
The Deputy Prime Minister visited Zagreb, Croatia on the eve of the country's accession to the European Union.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg travelled to Zagreb, Croatia on Sunday 30 June to attend a dinner celebrating the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union.
Guests included Presidents Barroso and Van Rompuy, and Prime Minister Tusk of Poland.
The Deputy Prime Minister said:
“On behalf of the UK, I offer sincere congratulations to the people of the Republic of Croatia on the historic occasion of their accession to the European Union as its 28th Member State. The UK looks forward to working together with Croatia as partners in the EU, as we already do through our partnership in NATO.
“Croatia’s EU membership offers both countries an unparalleled opportunity to forge stronger links. We look forward to expanding further our commercial and political relationship, both at the EU level and bilaterally.
“Croatia’s accession demonstrates clearly for her neighbours the transformative power of EU enlargement which, when matched with the political will and perseverance that the Croatian people have shown, can deliver impressive change and benefits. We look forward to working together with Croatia to help support the European perspectives of all of the countries of the western Balkans and for Turkey.”