The party held its founding assembly in Zagreb on 17 June 1989.
Party leader and Prime Minister Ivo Sanader spoke of the HDZ's past successes, mentioning the creation of independent, sovereign and internationally recognised Croatia. He thanked the HDZ founder and first Croatian president, the late Franjo Tudjman.
Sanader said there would be no early parliamentary elections and that the next would be held in 2007 as scheduled.
He went on to say that the HDZ would lead Croatia into the European Union, which he said must preserve the national identity of each member and enable each member to progress. He added the Union's recent internal difficulties would not slow down Croatia's admission process.
Sanader said the government's priority in the coming period would be the creation of higher living standards.
Speeches were also delivered by Vladimir Seks, HDZ Presidency member and Parliament Speaker, and academician Dalibor Brozovic, one of the party's founders.
Earlier today, a HDZ Presidency delegation laid wreaths at the Altar of the Homeland and Tudjman's grave.