Today Parliament is expected to adopt a joint Government-Parliament declaration on activities during the EU entry negotiations, a declaration on the fundamental principles of the negotiations, and a decision on the establishment of a national committee in charge of monitoring the negotiations.
Sanader reiterated that admission to the EU was of national significance and that full cooperation in that project would pay off. "What we negotiate over the next two and a half years will affect our future."
He said that every attempt at cooperation on that topic should not be interpreted as a big coalition between the ruling Croatian Democratic Union and the strongest opposition party, the Social Democrats (SDP). He said the existence of a broad consensus on EU entry was an advantage and a chance for Croatia to achieve a strong negotiating position.
Sanader thanked the previous, SDP-led Government for everything it had done to bring Croatia closer to the EU.
He said the EU was not an ideal society and that Croatia could choose if it wanted in or to stay isolated in the Balkans.
Speaking of what Croatia would gain by joining the Union, Sanader mentioned a higher level of political stability and security, a better international reputation, access to a market with a population of more than 450 million, the development of the transport infrastructure, better consumer and environmental protection, and access to pre-admission funds.
"Croatian citizens will benefit a lot from admission to the Union, but there are topics one should openly talk about," he said.
The head of the negotiating delegation, European Integration Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, and chief negotiator Vladimir Drobnjak briefed MPs about the negotiating process, from the screening to direct negotiations on individual chapters.
Both said Croatia was entering the complex negotiations with optimism and aware that compromise was the foundation of the negotiations.
Both said the main objective of the negotiations was the protection and promotion of national interests, the economy and living standards.
Parliament is holding a joint debate on resolutions moved by a number of clubs of deputies on the fundamental principles of Croatia's admission to the EU.