Celebration of the 5th Anniversary of Croatia's accession to the EU with the participation of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, in the European Parliament in Brussels. Statements by Dubravka ŠUICA (EPP, HR), Joseph DAUL, Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE) and Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister.

Brussels

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

Enlargement to Croatia (T)

WEBER, Manfred (EPP, DE)

ceremony

EU - Croatia (T)

PLENKOVIĆ, Andrej (EPP, HR)

ŠUICA, Dubravka (EPP, HR, EC)

DAUL, Joseph (EPP, FR)

5th Anniversary of Croatia's accession to the EU with the participation of Antonio TAJANI, EP President

<p>Image of the poster announcing the conference.</p>

Arrival of the Prime-Minister of Croatia, Andrej PLENKOVIC.

Arrival to the hall and handshake of the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej PLENKOVIC with the gathered guests. Two shots.

Five shots during the performance of the hymn.

SOUNDBITE (English), Dubravka &#352;UICA (EPP, HR), The EU membership is one of the greatest achievements of the independent Croatia, as well as the fulfilment of the vision of our first president, Dr Franjo TUDJMAN. The dream that envisioned the free Croatia as a member of NATO and European Union.

SOUNDBITE (French), Joseph DAUL, You will realise a new miracle. We will have an excellent presidency of the EU, leading towards the stabilisation in Balkans, accepting Euro, joining Schengen and why not become the world champions, because you are on the right way. I wish you that from all of my heart, as I wished you to join the European Union, thank you.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, <p>Croatia is a constant reminder that the EU has not lost its appeal as a project of peace and prosperity. This is why your country must continue to play a key role in promoting stability in the Balkans. This is very important, this difficult moment for Europe.</p>

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), There is a clear will of more Europe, obviously, there in Croatia. That is also positive, after five years not to stop, but to go on.

SOUNDBITE (English), Andrej PLENKOVI&#262;, Croatian Prime Minister, With the full believe to the European project, with the full believe in the capacity of Croatia to be constructive contributor to what we are jointly doing, because this is a joint exercise. We all have a role to play, of course, experience, strength, contribution, knowledge vary, but I think after five years we are in the phase to make a first resume, which in my view is predominately positive.  

Three atmosphere shots while Croatian singing group, klapa, sings the song Viva Croatia.