"I'm sure that we've made good headway in all important fields," Sanader said, adding the year had also been marked by difficult moments when difficult decisions had to be made, decisions which he feels have benefitted Croatian citizens.
"European leaders have recognised that Croatia is a mature democracy and that it has made major headway in drawing closer to the European Union, as demonstrated by the European Council's decision on the start of negotiations with Croatia. That decision affirms Croatia also as an anchor of stability in this part of Europe, especially in the Southeast, where the political situation has to become permanently stable."
Sanader recalled the remaining commitment to cooperate with the Hague war crimes tribunal and the settlement of the last outstanding issue, that of fugitive General Ante Gotovina, before the UN court.
"Next year we have to continue with economic reform, encourage entrepreneurship, increase the standards of all Croatian citizens, and start negotiations with the EU. The EU entry project is not a project of the HDZ or its government but a common national project," Sanader said.
He added that consultations with representatives of political parties were set to begin next week to define a strategy of EU entry negotiations and the formation of the negotiating teams.
"The topic of the EU has to remain outside political matches. We need a broad consensus and cooperation on that issue because it is essential that we achieve in the negotiations good results and a good agreement for Croatia," said Sanader.
The reception was attended by representatives of Croatian political parties and media, European and other countries' representatives, and representatives of international institutions.