In 2004 Croatia "has made big steps towards united Europe. We can undoubtedly be satisfied with that.
"On the other hand, on the economic front... there is still lack of such progress that is needed to start changing things from the foundations up. With that we cannot be satisfied.
"Launching production, transforming Croatia from an importer country into a country meeting its own needs and eventually becoming an exporter country, making significant cuts in unemployment, regulating the status of pensioners... and finally, improving the living standards of most citizens - these remain the most important tasks.
"We have reached a crucial stage in our integration with the European Union. Talks on the status of a full member are to start next year. The acknowledgment that we received (by being given the date for the start of the accession talks) is the acknowledgement of all that has been achieved so far. However, there is no reason to give in to euphoria, because we are facing serious obligations now.
"On the domestic front, the development of democracy based on true pluralism, respect and protection of human rights, and tolerance and readiness to accept differences remain the main tasks," Mesic said in his message among other things.