The Prime Minister went on to highlight the need for institutional reform so that Europe can fulfill its role as a global partner. “Forging a powerful identity for the EU in the global world is imperative. The institutional setting needs to be adjusted to achieve this. To be powerful on the world stage, the EU must be able to speak with a single voice”, he added.

The ELDR Party is the first European political party to organise a Council meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, thereby showing its trust in Croatia and in the Croatian liberal parties. Europe's Liberal Democrats recognise enlargement as a key instrument to reinforce Europe as a global power.

Vesna Pusic, Leader of the Croatian People’s Party – HNS and ELDR Vice-President stressed that “today Europe is the only political entity that everybody wants to join or emulate everywhere in the world”.

Zlatko Kramaric, MP and Deputy President of Croatia's social liberal party (HSLS) explained the dilemma facing Croatian citizens in their relationship to Europe, stressing the urge to be recognised as a strong partner. “We need to bring our own answers to the problems facing Croatia today in terms of environment, judicial reforms, pension systems, etc... A different future needs to be built. We are in favour of a European Union that cherishes cultural diversity”.

ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts reminded the participants of the major efforts needed of countries wishing to join the EU. “It is no easy task to prepare for membership. Croatia needs to considerably reform itself in order to be able to successfully benefit from full competition in the single market”.

During this meeting, the ELDR party unanimously adopted a resolution calling on EU Member States to submit a resolution for a universal moratorium of the death penalty in the current UN General Assembly and to seek the sponsorship of countries from other continents to abolish the death penalty.

Representatives of Europe’s Liberal Democrat parties approved the membership of Alliance “Moldova Nostra” (AMN) to ELDR. AMN, a social liberal party, represents the most important parliamentary opposition force in Moldova and aims to set the country free from communism.

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Journalists wishing to obtain more information about the event can contact:

Myriam Cornillet, ELDR Party Press officer, on + 32 485 99 40 56, email: mcornillet@eldr.org Or Nikolina Herceg, HNS Press officer, on +385 91 4111 034, email: nikolina.herceg@hns.hr