ZAGREB MARKS MAY 9, EUROPE DAY

ZAGREB, May 5 (Hina) - The Croatian European Integrations Ministry will mark May 9, Europe Day, with a number of manifestations aimed at pointing out the need for Croatia accepting European standards as soon as possible. The Ministry is preparing an entertaining and educational programme in downtown Zagreb, opening an exhibition of caricature cartoons by Srecko Puntaric titled "Croatia and Europe", and Internet chat with European integrations Minister Ivan Jakovcic, an exhibition of publications and documents about the European Union and an entertainment event in one of Zagreb's discos. The programme in downtown Zagreb will include quizzes about the EU and presenting the work of non-government organisations and will be opened by Jakovcic and EU Ambassador to Croatia, Per Vinther. Marking the 50th anniversary of the European Union is co-organised by a European Commission delegation and a number of non-government organisations such as the European Movement Croatia, European House in Zagreb, European youth parliament and the Club of young Europeans. On Europe Day this year will also be marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the European Union. The beginning of the EU is deemed the issuing of the Schuman Declaration. The then French foreign minister Robert Schuman on May 9, 1950, issued a document in suggesting on behalf of the French Government that Germany and France as well as other European countries which wish to do so, unite the production of coal and steel with the idea that through economic cooperation the two countries which used to be at war would disable any possibility of a future war. (hina) lml jn