Party leader Ivan Jakovcic said that Croatia was about to enter the European Union also thanks to the IDS' programme declaration.
"Our particular contribution is reflected in the fact that we are a region which today is the leader in Southeast Europe, acknowledged and appreciated by all political subjects, and the IDS is among those deserving credit for that," said Jakovcic.
He added the IDS had considerably contributed to the "articulation of regional autonomy and the role of regions in united Europe".
Jakovcic also said he was satisfied with his party's cooperation with the government.
Speaking of forthcoming local elections, he said the IDS was ready for them. He said the 2003 parliamentary elections confirmed the coalition between the IDS and the Social Democrats (SDP) as the "most logical and the best combination" both for Istria and the entire Croatia. He added this coalition must be open to other political partners which were ready to cooperate.