Croatia links Serbia’s EU integration with minority rights
The European Union, including Croatia as one of its member states, aims to integrate Serbia into the EU, but this path requires the fulfilment of a number of criteria, including the full protection of the rights of the Croatian national minority, Croatian Member of the European Parliament Davor Ivo Stier said in Subotica.
Speaking at a press conference at the headquarters of the Croatian National Council (HNV), Stier noted that he had been part of a European Parliament delegation that visited Belgrade, adding that the visit to the Croatian community was important for the preparation of the annual report on the situation in Serbia.
He stressed that European values are based on respect for diversity and that national minorities represent an important bridge of cooperation between states, CE Report quotes HINA.
“The Croatian community in Subotica and in Serbia is a bridge towards the Republic of Croatia and the European Union, and its voice plays an important role,” Stier said.
During the day, he visited the Archdiocese of Belgrade and the Diocese of Srijem in Sremska Mitrovica, and in Subotica he was a guest of the Croatian National Council.
HNV President Jasna Vojnić described Stier’s visit as an important political signal and an expression of human support for the Croatian community in Serbia.
According to her, the visit provided an opportunity to reopen concrete issues faced by the Croatian community, including hate speech, political participation, inclusion in institutions and financial support for projects.
“We cannot give up on insisting that Serbia fulfil its obligations and become more actively involved in ensuring the rights of our community. We are loyal citizens of the Republic of Serbia, but we do not remain silent about our problems and needs — we speak about them openly and clearly,” she stressed.
Stier was part of a European Parliament delegation that visited Belgrade on Friday and met with representatives of state authorities, the opposition, non-governmental organisations and the media.
foto HINA/ Edvard ŠUŠAK
