Croatia wants to join the European Union as a country of knowledge, Sanader said and added that knowledge was the foundation of every society.
Knowledge and people are the main component of every society and regardless of budgetary restrictions Croatia will try to increase budgetary funds for science and education and reach ten billion kuna by 2007 , Sanader said,
The PM said the Croatian Parliament would on Thursday discuss a draft state budget for 2005 which foresees about 8.5 billion kuna for science and education which is 4.3 percent more in relation to 2004.
Parliament President Vladimir Seks said it was excellent that the congress was held under the logo "Let Us Build Croatia With Knowledge".
The present were also addressed by President Stjepan Mesic who said he was impressed with the number of scientists gathered at one place.
Mesic said Croatia did not ask the scientists gathered at the congress to return to Croatia under all cost, but that it expected of them to help the development of Croatia's science as advisors, associates and heads of projects. Mesic said Croatia was not only facing the admission in the EU but also the adoption of European standards.
The present were also addressed by Science Minister Dragan Primorac.