RIJEKA, May 4 (Hina) - European Integration Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic has said that all reforms that are being carried out in Croatia as part of efforts to come closer to the European Union "are first and foremost for the sake
of citizens" and that "they would be implemented anyway to enhance democracy in society, protect civil rights and media freedoms and increase living standards."
RIJEKA, May 4 (Hina) - European Integration Minister Kolinda
Grabar-Kitarovic has said that all reforms that are being carried out
in Croatia as part of efforts to come closer to the European Union
"are first and foremost for the sake of citizens" and that "they would
be implemented anyway to enhance democracy in society, protect civil
rights and media freedoms and increase living standards." #L#
Speaking at a panel discussion in Rijeka on Tuesday on Croatia's road
to the EU and some pertinent legal issues, Grabar Kitarovic said that
"Croatia's final goal is to be completely ready for EU membership in
2007, but a date of admission does not depend on Croatia".
She went on to say that Croatia should not fuss over the entry date
but should pay more attention to its preparations for that event.
Grabar Kitarovic also spoke about the importance of adjustment of
national legislation to the EU acquis communaitaire, adding that it
was not important how many laws would be adjusted to EU standards but
their quality and impact on citizens' life.
In this context she announced a pilot project to predict the effects
of the laws before their formal harmonisation with EU legislation.
The panel discussion was organised by Primorje-Gorski Kotar County,
the Rijeka School of Law and the local 'Novi List' daily as part of
events marking European Week.
(Hina) ms