The Europe Forum was organised by HVB Splitska Banka.
Assistant Foreign and European Integration Minister Mirna Marovic spoke of the advantages of European Union membership, notably in the economy and living standards.
She also underlined the importance of the process of drawing closer to membership, saying it strengthened the state, the society and the economy.
A member of the European Enlargement Commissioner's cabinet in charge of Croatia, Maria Asenius, said that although a small country, Croatia would have a say in the decision-making process in the EU. She also said Croatia was an important stabilising factor in Southeast Europe.
Asenius said Croatia's biggest problems on the path to the EU lay in refugee returns, minority rights, property restitution, the judiciary, and environmental protection. She added, however, that she had the impression that Croatia was well-prepared.