During the plenary session (13-16 January 2020) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Andrej PLENKOVIC, Croatian Prime Minister, presents the programme of activities of the Croatian Presidency during the debate. This transcription speech is the he result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

PLENKOVIĆ, Andrej (EPP, HR)

Croatian Presidency of the EU (T)

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Croatian Presidency: presentation by Andrej PLENKOVIC, Croatian Prime Minister

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Mr. President, vice presidents, members of the European Parliament. Madam President of the European Commission, colleagues, it is a great pleasure for me to be here in the European Parliament to present the priorities of the first creation EU presidency. This is a historic moment for Croatia and all my fellow citizens.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Only 30 years ago, Croatia held its first free elections. In doing so, Croatian people regained their sovereignty after nine centuries and Croatia was put back on the world political map as a country.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: I'm delighted that at this I have this opportunity to address you today on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Croatia's international recognition, when 28 member states, when the member states of the European community recognized its independence.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: We gained independence in the difficult circumstances of the war of aggression. Our soldiers successfully defended and liberated our country 20 years ago, and Croatia then embarked on the path of development, democracy and European integration.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Six and a half years ago, Croatia became a member of the EU and it is now at his home. Croatia was guided in all its efforts and reforms by its European integration path.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: I look forward to a successful and fruitful cooperation with the European Parliament over the next six months, with the aim of showing our citizens that they can have tangible benefits from the membership in the EU. There are several important tasks ahead of us.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: The new multi-annual financial framework, timely agreement on the entire financial framework for the next seven years is our priority. In this, the MFF should meet the expectations of all our citizens in all our member states. So it must continue to finance cohesion and agricultural policies, but also be able to address many new challenges.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: The European Union is facing. It must ensure our togetherness and unity while respecting all of our differences economic, social and demographic. It must also make Europe more effective and visible on the global stage. To achieve this, we must act fast. We cannot allow delays in the implementation of our EU programmes as of 2021.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Otherwise, we would be disappointing our citizens. Together with the President of the European Council, who is continuing the MFL talks at the highest political level, we will spare no effort to achieve a breakthrough.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: During our presidents, this would enable us to finalize the entire legislative package under the MFF and we count on a close and efficient cooperation with all the parliament's committees and rapporteurs in this endeavour.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: We hear and understand all your concerns, messages and expectations. But we find of but but we find it of crucial importance to continue the talks and negotiations on all levels and to advance all the files. In this we are united by a common goal is our failure would only strengthen those who do not want a strong Europe and we cannot allow that.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Second, the end of the process of orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from Europe, from the European Union. After ratification of the withdrawal agreement by the United Kingdom, we have to finalize the ratification procedure on the EU side. In this, the crucial step is the consent of the European Parliament.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: The Croatian presidency will, in accordance with the Declaration on Future Relationship and Guidelines of the European Council, work on swift adoption of a comprehensive council mandate for negotiations on the basis of the proposals by the European Commission.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Though we will be sad to see one member state leaving the European Union and the United Kingdom share a long history. So this should be a new starting point for building close partner relations in the future based on mutual interest, respect and a level playing field, especially in the areas of trade, security and other sectorial policies.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: However, the transition period of eleven months is extremely short and it will take a lot of goodwill and a lot of work to bring these negotiations to an end in that period and to reach a good agreement for both sides.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Ladies and gentlemen. Thirdly, holding a summit in Zagreb between the union and the Western Balkans and the opening of accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania. We do not disguise our ambition to try and win the support of member states for the opening of accession negotiations with these two countries.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: The forthcoming European Commission report and its proposals to improve the accession negotiation methodology will be important for the credibility of the enlargement policy. It's important that we stand by the principles of respecting the political criteria, the benchmark criteria and the individual progress of each candidate country based on their results.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: With accession to the union remaining the ultimate objective of the negotiations. This must mean the key thrust of the enlargement policy. We are happy that the European Parliament has adopted a resolution in October last year supporting the opening of negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia and underlining the importance of enlargement both for the candidate countries as for the European Union.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: In so doing, the European Parliament has reasserted its attachment to a credible enlargement policy for the union. The Zagreb summit, to be held in May, will take place 20 years after the first Zagreb summit, which opened the European perspective to the countries of Southeast Europe and opened the path to the Stabilisation and Association Agreements.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Those countries included Croatia, which now is the only one to have acceded to the European Union. Furthermore, it is Croatia that is now presiding the Council of the European Union. Our example gives the forthcoming Zagreb summit an additional symbolic value.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: That's why in the Zagreb summit, we wish to send a strong message to our partners in Southeast Europe who are still languishing in a sort of European antechamber. And to say to them, if you continue with all the reforms and if you meet all the accession criteria, your European prospect is not open to challenge and you are welcome.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: At the same time, the union will help you meet your objective, thanks to involvement in European projects, to the integration of infrastructure networks, and by means of a regular political dialogue at the very highest level and by the promotion of European values and principles.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Fourth, establishing the conference on the future of Europe. We will take on this task swiftly so that based on the council position, we are able to conclude into institutional agreements as soon as possible and assure the swift starting of the conference.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: It's important that council, parliament and commission take ownership of the objectives of the conference and are represented on equal terms. The conference must also guarantee the involvement of all member states, national parliaments, and a broad involvement by the citizens in particular young ones.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: It must be inclusive and open, and its debate must be based on the questions arising from the strategic programme of the European Union. On the political guidelines from the President of the European Commission, and above all, based on the subjects of the greatest concern to citizens, we are delighted that it will be the Croatian commissioner, Dubravka SCUICA, who will be responsible with laying the groundwork for the conference in the European Commission.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: This conference is a new opportunity to bring Europe to its citizens. And to engaging dialogue to get a better understanding of what it is criticized for and to understand the reasons for growing disaffection of citizens towards Europe and to understand what led to Brexit and why many Europeans in other member states are nurturing the same scepticism.

SOUNDBITE (French), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Also, to understand the causes behind the rise of populism and anti European resentment and to see together what we must change and improve. It is also an opportunity to give the floor to citizens so that they can tell us what Europe they want so that we can better meet their expectations.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Ladies and gentlemen, Croatia is taking over the EU presidency based on four pillars a Europe that develops. Our main objective is to bring about a balanced, sustainable and inclusive development of the union that takes into consideration the specificities and needs of all member states and the regions.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: This means that we must further develop policies which will create better working and living conditions and the fight against climate change. We will pay special attention to the European New Green Deal to be discussed in the different council configurations given its broad scope and it is essential to ensure the necessary financial means for its implementation.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: We have had a detailed discussion about this when the College of the European Commission came to an official visit to Zagreb last week. We must strive together to achieve used climate neutrality by 2050. Further development of the single market and encouraging the digitalization agenda. Investment in research and innovation.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: And greater accessibility of high quality and lifelong learning. Developing new skills adjusted to the jobs of the future are the guarantee for the union's competitiveness. And competitiveness will be key to guaranteeing its growth. This is why we must also pay attention to developing the labour market adapted to the era of the digital revolution, new global challenges and demographic changes.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Our overarching principle must always be to improve the quality of life of all the union's citizens, while also encouraging enabling demographic measures aimed at building a more dynamic society.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Second, a Europe that connects the progress and growth of the EU depends largely on its having a networked economy and making full use of its infrastructural and human potential. Connectivity is one of the main precondition to be met for achieving social, economic and territorial cohesion among the EU member states.

SOUNDBITE (Croatian), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: This is why we will strongly encourage further development of transport, energy and digital infrastructure for the benefit of our citizens. The Croatian presidency was strongly endorsed policies which bring together its citizens primarily through education, culture and sport. These connections are a important reflection of our strength and our unity.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Only safe Europe can provide peaceful environment for its citizens. In this regard, efficient protection of the EU external borders, as well as an increased resilience to external threats, inhibited and cyber threats are of vital importance.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Achieving a comprehensive solution for a sustainable and effective migration and asylum policies is our joint objective. We will remain focussed on further developing our union as an area of freedom, security and justice based on the shared values, democracy and the rule of law.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Therefore, the adoption of the new strategic guidelines in the area of freedom, security and justice will be one of our priorities. The rule of law is a core value and a fundamental principle of our union's functioning. We will pursue a comprehensive approach to the protection and promotion of the rule of law while strengthening dialogue and unity of the member states.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Fourth is an influential Europe. No single member State of the Union is able to address the international challenges on its own. Our unity is our biggest strength. Europe should speak with one voice more often and more loudly confirming its global role in today's multipolar world.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: It is crucial to maintain an open dialogue with our North American partners and allies. Our ambition as a global actor should be supported by further development of capabilities and instruments for joint action, including our defence, albeit in complementarity with NATO.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: It is also important to maintain Europe's relationship with China, Russia, India and Japan and other big powers on the basis of mutual respect, while continuing to develop multilateralism and internal international rules based order in a wide range of policy areas from climate change or trade to nuclear proliferation.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Our union has a unique ability to achieve necessary compromises and resolve crisis. Tensions in the Middle East, highly complex political and security situation in Iran. In Iran, in Iraq, old and new challenges in the Gulf region.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: All this requires are constant active and creative engagement and strong leadership. As a staunch supporter of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and the world's biggest donor of development assistance, we have a special responsibility towards African, Caribbean and Pacific nations.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: During the Croatian presidency, an Eastern Partnership summit will be held as well. Ladies and gentlemen, the European Union is facing, as we all know, many challenges every day. The world is getting more complex and our tasks tasks are more numerous.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: Too many actors offer easy answers and instant solutions, often unfounded or based on false information. The expectations of our citizens are growing. We must get closer to our citizens. We must listen and provide appropriate answers to their concerns.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister,: We cannot miss any opportunity to do more for the sake of our citizens. To meet the challenge, we need to promote equality, inclusive city and solidarity while strengthening Europe's democracy is our core value on the global scene. Therefore, as our program says, we need a strong Europe in a world of challenges. Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President,: Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Prime Minister Plenkovic. Thank you very much for having covered all of the various issues of the European agenda. And now I give the floor to Madam von der Leyen.