UK-Croatia: Strategic Partnership 2008/09

"Britain has always strongly advocated the enlargement of the European Union and it has been especially supportive of Croatia and of my government. Our bilateral relations are excellent. I am also very grateful for your country's support of our activities in the region, because Croatia will not forget the region on becoming an EU member."

Prime Minister Dr Ivo Sanader

Much has been achieved since Croatia opened its EU accession negotiations in 2005, under the UK Presidency. The two countries have made great steps forward, with both political and practical co-operation. A NATO invitation was received at the Bucharest summit. Croatia secured a seat on the UN Security Council.

European Commission President Barroso has confirmed that continued progress with Croatian reform should enable the Commission to propose a timetable for concluding EU negotiations in 2009. We warmly welcome this.

The shared strategic goal that underpins this partnership remains the same: EU and NATO membership for Croatia, furthering its role as an exporter of stability and reform to the region.

In the year ahead we will focus on:

EU Accession

• Sharing expertise in areas crucial to the success of Croatia’s EU negotiations – particularly the management of EU funds, food safety and veterinary issues, public procurement, competition and state aids, energy, and the environment
• Working together on preparations for EU membership, and building a transparent and efficient public administration, in accordance with highest European standards and practices, to serve Croatia’s citizens
• Developing links between UK and Croatian ministries, preparing for co-operation as EU members on the challenges of the future
  

Regional and International Affairs

• Working together for our shared goal of a South-East Europe firmly anchored in the EU and NATO - “Enlargement is by far our most powerful tool for extending stability and prosperity” (David Miliband, UK Foreign Secretary)
• Encouraging and supporting reform across South-East Europe, in the framework of the EU’s Stabilisation and Association Process, drawing on Croatia’s successful experience
• Building a close partnership in the United Nations Security Council, with a focus on reforming and improving the UN and international responses to crises
• Encouraging stability in Kosovo, particularly through participation in an effective EU mission
• Contributing to international peace-keeping and civilian crisis management missions, through the UN, EU and NATO
  

Law and Order

• Supporting implementation of Croatia’s Judicial Reform Strategy, and improving citizens’ access to justice, through sharing expertise on mediation, legal aid and better court administration
• Stepping up expert-to-expert contact on anti-corruption, financial investigation, and other policing issues, building on the very successful National Intelligence Model project, and enhancing intelligence-led investigations, operations and prosecutions
• Strengthening inter-agency law enforcement capacity, and establishing links with partners in the region, in order to be more effective in combating cross-border crime
  

Defence and Security

• Taking the steps needed to complete Croatia's rapid accession to NATO
  Supporting and strengthening the UK and Croatia's participation in NATO's Afghanistan mission
• Improving military capabilities, such as the availability of helicopters, for international military peace-keeping operations
• Developing Navy-to-Navy links, and between UK and Croatian defence industries
  

Trade and Investment

• Capitalising on opportunities for UK and Croatian partnership, including in ports, education, renewable energy and marine sectors
• Supporting UK-Croatia trade through regional events, trade missions, and information services for the private sector
• Promoting a positive climate for business, building on EU projects and reform
• Using CEFTA and other fora to promote economic development within the region
  

Science, Education and Culture

• Running a significant programme of scholarships for young Croatians, many with matching funds from Croatian and UK partners, to train individuals with a clear commitment to using their new skills for the benefit of Croatia
• Increasing access to UK education and training by offering internationally recognised English language and professional examinations, and promoting UK and Croatian university partnerships within EU programmes
• Supporting regional networks of future leaders in education, cultural leadership, and government administration
• Increasing understanding through cultural events, and promoting scientific links between the UK and Croatia