In order to accomplish those goals, Croatia must achieve higher rates of economic development than in 2006 and previous years, and draw closer to the EU average development rate and the economic growth rate of 7-8%, Mesic said.
"Those are realistic expectations for Croatia and its citizens in the new year. That is the best answer to the threat of poverty, to which Croatia has no right," he added.
The benefits of economic development should be enjoyed by all Croatian citizens, Mesic said, calling for a broad social consensus on the need for political, economic and social reforms to accomplish that goal as soon as possible.
The President also commented on parliamentary elections scheduled for November 2007.
"Our citizens will again have the opportunity to assume responsibility for their own future. By electing parties and their platforms, they will determine the course of our future development."
Commenting on the year 2006, Mesic said it was marked by successful negotiations on EU membership, adding that Croatia was much closer to NATO after the NATO summit in Riga, and that it had additionally strengthened its international position by intensifying cooperation with its neighbours and all countries in the region.
However, despite the continued process of democratisation and establishment of democratic institutions, Croatia still faces many challenges because state institutions are not determined enough in countering "the growing threat of corruption and organised crime, threats to the general security of citizens, and many other threats", Mesic said in the message.