Supporting the SEE countries on their path towards European integration is a core task of the Stability Pact. The Croatian EU membership application is thus, in the eyes of SC Erhard Busek, another indication of a more stable region and shows that Croatia remains determined to further reforms. Applying for EU membership means assuming responsibility, as the EU has clearly stated that regional cooperation is a condition for further integration. It is therefore important that Croatia will continue to focus on the Stabilisation and Association Process as well as the Stability Pact, and to constructively share its experiences with the neighbours.

Croatia is a very active partner in the Stability Pact. Apart from chairing the Security and Defence Working Table (Ambassador Vladimir Drobnjak), it also holds the co-chairmanship of the Working Table on Economics and will host the Pact’s Regional Table in Zagreb 26-27 May 2003.

Processing the Croatian application is the sole competence of the EU member states and EU institutions.