CROATIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION - # THE UBERSICHT
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# THE UBERSICHT CROATIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
#THEUBERSICHT
Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
GENERAL 2016, the Prime Minister is Andrej Plenk- After the independence from Yugoslavia,
INFORMATION ović of the centre-right HDZ party, which Croatia started to transform its economy
is a member of the European Peoples Par- towards an open market economy. De-
Today’s Croatia declared its independ- ty (EPP). The capital of Croatia is Zagreb, spite slow economic growth after 2008
ence from Yugoslavia in 1991 in the the currency is the Croatian Kuna. Croatia due to the global recession, the GDP has
course of a popular referendum. Despite is also a member of NATO, its accession been rising consistently since 2015. There-
the referendum, Croatia had to fight a took place in 2009. by, tourism is the strongest sector, contrib-
four-year lasting war of independence Croatian EU commissioner Dubravka Su- uting an overall amount of around 20% to
against the Yugoslav army, which ended ica is a Vice-President of the Commission the GDP. The unemployment rate was at a
with a peace agreement in 1995. In 2013, responsible for Democracy and Demog- record low of 6.7% in May 2019.
Croatia became the 28th Member State raphy. Since 01.01.2020 Croatia has tak- Croatia is a net-importer with a trade defi-
of the European Union. en over the Presidency of the European cit of €10.73 billion in 2018. 68% of Cro-
Croatia is a parliamentary democracy. Council for the first time. ■ atia’s exports go to European countries,
The head of state is the President of the Re- 78% of the imports come from European
public, who is directly elected every five countries.
years. The head of government is the Prime ECONOMY Currently, Croatia is working hard to con-
Minister, whose government is formed in duct structural reforms which are needed
the course of the elections which take Croatia has a GDP of €51.5 billion (2018) to qualify for joining the eurozone as well
place every four years. Zoran Milanović with a growth of 2.6% compared to 2017 as the Schengen Area. ■
(SDP) was elected as Croatian President and is one of the biggest economies in
just days after Croatia took over the Euro- South East Europe. With approximately
pean Union’s helm. His presidential term is 4.09 million inhabitants this equals a GDP
due to begin on 19 February 2020. Since per capita of around €12,590.
#THEUBERSICHT
Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
PRIORITIES
A EUROPE THAT A EUROPE THAT
DEVELOPS PROTECTS
The slogan of the Croatian The Croatian Presidency aims at deepen- The Croatian Presidency will strengthen
Presidency highlights its aim: ing the single market as well as encour- internal security, provide a more effective
aging the digitalisation of business, invest- control of external borders, ensure the full
ments in innovation and research, greater interoperability of IT systems and strength-
A strong
accessibility of high-quality and lifelong en resilience to external threats and mali-
Europe in a learning and developing new skills adjust- cious cyber activities. The common goal
world of ed to jobs of the future. Therefore, the Cro- remains to find a comprehensive solution
challenges. atian Presidency will support a balanced, for a sustainable and effective migration
sustainable and inclusive development of and asylum policy. The Croatian Presiden-
The Croatian Presidency will the Union. Additionally, it wants to further cy will focus on further establishing the Un-
work towards achieving a strengthen the European monetary union ion as an area of freedom, security and
and an efficient implementation of the justice, founded on common values, such
comprehensive agreement
Paris Agreement. ■ as democracy and the rule of law. ■
on the basis of a balanced
and sustainable EU
Multiannual Financial A EUROPE THAT AN INFLUENTIAL
Framework for 2021–2027 CONNECTS EUROPE
in order to enable the
The Croatian Presidency will encourage The further development of capacities and
timely implementation of policies which strengthen an infrastructural instruments for common action is the only
all the Union’s policies connectivity of the Union and bring together way to strengthen the Union’s leading role
and programs. its citizens, primarily through education, cul- on a global scale and a priority of the
ture and sports. To this end, it aims at ensur- Croatian Presidency. Strengthening mul-
ing appropriate funding for the construction tilateralism, fulfilling the United Nations’
of infrastructural networks and the digitalisa- 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop-
tion in all branches of the transport sector. ment and promoting European values and
In its priorities the Presidency also names the interests remain the main points of refer-
creation of an integrated energy market by ence for the Union’s external action. The
further establishment and implementation Croatian Presidency will strive for a con-
of the energy union. As connecting Europe tinued credible and effective enlargement
also means connecting people, the Croa- policy, as a pledge towards stability, se-
tian Presidency wants to strengthen the mo- curity and further economic development
bility of pupils and students. ■ and mutual connection on the European
continent. ■
#THEUBERSICHT
Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
POLICY FIELDS
GENERAL AFFAIRS ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS POLICY, HEALTH AND
Croatia is determined to bring the Union CONSUMER AFFAIRS
and its benefits closer to its citizens. The The Presidency prioritizes the strengthening
Presidency aims to enhance dialogue of the European Economic and Monetary The Presidency is committed to promoting
and intends to prepare an agenda in Union and the Euro’s international role. In high-quality and lifelong learning and
line with the guidelines set by the Coun- addition, the Presidency aims at strength- developing skills for jobs of the future.
cil’s New Strategic Agenda 2019-2024. ening the competitiveness of the European Croatia also intends to implement the Eu-
In addition, the Presidency is committed industry and SMEs. The Capital Markets ropean Pillar of Social Rights to promote
to strengthen the competitiveness of the Union shall be developed, and current equality between women and men and
European industry with a long-term in- international tax rules adapted to globali- lifelong care for one’s health. Moreover,
dustrial policy aligned with the EU energy sation and digitalisation. To ensure the ap- the Presidency will initiate discussions on
and environmental policies and the single plication of fair taxation rules, Croatia will flexibility of work, work-life balance and
market strategy as well as using the poten- work towards ensuring tax transparency wellbeing at work. Ensuring the equal
tial of macro-regional cooperation. The and security, while at the same time pre- quality of products on the markets of all
Presidency supports a credible enlarge- venting unfair tax practices, tax fraud and Member States is also on the agenda. ■
ment policy and aims at strengthening tax evasion. Finally, Croatia attempts to
EU values. What is more, the European enforce the capacities of customs adminis-
Semester shall be smoothly implemented tration on EU’s external borders. ■ COMPETITIVENESS
and relations with Switzerland and the UK
maintained. ■ The Croatian Presidency will support a
JUSTICE AND balanced, sustainable and inclusive de-
HOME AFFAIRS velopment of the Union and guarantee its
FOREIGN AFFAIRS competitiveness by encouraging activities
The Presidency is determined to strengthen related to the automation and digitalisa-
Croatia is committed to a multilateral internal security, provide a more effective tion of businesses and business entities.
trade system and wants to strengthen the control of external borders, ensure the full The Presidency aims to develop full so-
EU as a leading international actor. Inten- interoperability of IT systems and strengthen cial, economic and territorial cohesion,
sifying relations with Asia, Africa and Latin resilience to external threats and malicious transport, energy and digital infrastructure
America as well as strengthening transat- cyber-activities. Croatia also aims to find and interconnection in order to achieve
lantic relations is intended. The Presiden- a solution for an effective migration policy global competitiveness. Furthermore, the
cy also wants to ensure strategic support and plans to finalize trialogue negotiations Presidency proposes to bolster consumer
in the EU’s surroundings, in particular in on the e-evidence package. The Presiden- protection and to enhance negotiations
South East Europe and will continue dis- cy will focus on the reinforcement of the on the Horizon Europe programme as
cussions on the EU’s development in the EU-NATO cooperation and of the Euro- well as on other issues related to research,
area of security and defense. Furthermore, pean Union Security and Defense Policy. innovation and space. Responsible and
the Presidency aims at promoting interna- In addition, the Presidency will prioritize the sustainable tourism development policies
tional development policies for sustaina- strengthening of capacity and resilience of are also on the agenda. ■
ble development and eradicating pover- partners in facing hybrid threats, strategic
ty. Fair and open global trade is also on communication and utilisation of the avail-
the agenda. ■ able EU-NATO mechanisms. ■
#THEUBERSICHT
Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
> POLICY FIELDS
TRANSPORT, for the 2021-2027 period. The Presidency and the protection of the marine environ-
TELECOMMUNICATIONS also intends to continue talks on the Eu- ment and coastal areas are also on the
AND ENERGY ropean Maritime and Fisheries European agenda. Furthermore, the Presidency aims
Fund as well as on the European Fisheries to promote sustainable forms of tourism
The Presidency is committed to the devel- Control System. In addition, Croatia aims and sustainability of coastal and insular
opment of a Single European Transport to emphasize the problem of further devel- communities. ■
Area and to the further establishment and opment of rural communities in the context
implementation of the Energy Union. The of their depopulation. This will encompass
transition to a low-carbon economy with a variety of different topics, including fam- EDUCATION, YOUTH,
view to achieving climate neutrality and ily farm potentials, bio-based agricultural CULTURE AND SPORT
transition to clean energy is one of the key production, smart villages and investments
points for the Croatian Presidency. Croa- in a more modern agriculture. Besides, During the Presidency, Croatia is devoted
tia also finds the Trans-European Transport food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary to implement a resolution on the educa-
Network and CEF Financial issues to be issues are also on the agenda. ■ tional reforms and to adapt learning and
of strategic importance and intends to teaching approaches to challenges of
work on the deployment of 5G networks. modern society. The Member State intends
Security of networks and information sys- ENVIRONMENT to empower young people and to protect
tems, digitalisation and cybersecurity also cultural heritage. Croatia plans to create
belong to the thematic priorities. ■ The Presidency is committed to the Euro- better opportunities for the youth, especial-
pean Green Deal and aims to contribute ly in rural areas. The social dimension of
to the protection of the environment and sport is also included in the programme. ■
AGRICULTURE AND the fight against climate change. For this
FISHERIES reason, Croatia intends to engage in dis-
cussions about a green Europe, including
One of the main Croatian priorities in sustainable economic growth and devel-
the field of agriculture will be to contin- opment and the implementation of the
ue negotiations regarding the Common Paris Agreement, with a financially just
Agricultural Policy reform and reach an transition to a low-carbon and circular
agreement package of draft regulations economy. The conservation of biodiversity
#THEUBERSICHT
Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
WHO IS WHO
For more information,
SDP HDZ
click on the portraits.
SDP
Social Democratic Party
HNS
Croatian People’s Party
HDZ
Croatian Democratic Union ZORAN ANDREJ
MILANOVIC PLENKOVIĆ
President-elect Prime Minister
HDZ HDZ HNS
DAMIR DAVOR ZDRAVKO PREDRAG
KRSTIČEVIĆ BOŽINOVIĆ MARIĆ ŠTROMAR
Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister of Defence Minister of the Interior Minister of Finance Minister of Construction
and Spatial Planning
HDZ HDZ HDZ HDZ
GORDAN GRLIC TOMISLAV MARIJA DRAŽEN
RADMAN CORIC VUČKOVIĆ BOŠNJAKOVIĆ
Minister of Foreign and Minister of Environmental Minister of Agriculture Minister of Justice
European Affairs Protection and Energy
#THEUBERSICHT
Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
> WHO IS WHO
HDZ HDZ HDZ HDZ
VESNA MARKO JOSIP MILAN
BEDEKOVIĆ PAVIĆ ALADROVIĆ KUJUNDŽIĆ
Minister of Demographics, Minister of Regional Minister of Labour and Minister of Health
Family, Youth and Social Development and EU funds Pension System
Policy
HDZ HDZ HDZ HDZ
MARIO TOMO IVAN OLEG
BANOŽIĆ MEDVED MALENICA BUTKOVIC
Minister of State Property Minister of Croatian Minister of Public Minister of Maritime
Veterans Administration Affairs, Transport and
Infrastructure
HDZ HDZ HDZ
GARY BLAZENKA NINA OBULJEN DARKO
CAPPELLI DIVJAK KORŽINEK HORVAT
Minister of Tourismus Minister of Science and Minister of Culture Minister of Economy,
Education Entrepreneurship and Crafts
#THEUBERSICHT
Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
FURTHER INFORMATION
EURACTIV EMERGING EUROPE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
31 OCTOBER 2019 01 NOVEMBER 2019 EU Presidency: Government Priorities
Croatia Unveils Look and Feel of Next Croatia Announces Priorities for EU
Year’s EU Presidency Presidency ALBANIA DAILY NEWS
16 DECEMBER 2019
EUROPEAN INTEREST EURACTIV A Strong Europe in a Challenging World
09 SEPTEMBER 2019 11 DECEMBER 2019
Anka Mrak Taritas Way Forward EU Croatian Foreign Minister: We Will TOTAL CROATIA NEWS
Accession of Former Yugoslav States Defend Regional Funding in New EU 04 DECEMBER 2019
Budget European Greens Expect Croatia Not to
EURO NAVIGATOR Hamper EU‘s Green Transition
Croatian Presidency of the Council of the VOA NEWS
EU in 2020 20 DECEMBER 2019 CROATIA WEEK
Croatia’s EU Presidency Comes in 05 JANUARY 2020
Critical Time Zoran Milanovic Elected New President
of Croatia
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