ZAGREB CELEBRATES DAY OF EUROPE

ZAGREB, May 9 (Hina) - An agreement on the stabilisation and association between Croatia and the European Union should start functioning next year, and by the year 2006, Croatia could become a full member of the European Union, Croatian Minister for European Integration Ivan Jakovcic said on the occasion of the celebration of the Day of Europe in Zagreb Tuesday. Jakovcic, however, pointed to a series of problems Croatia could expect on that path, but according to him, the problems were "very sweet" in relation to problems Croatia faced earlier. Today's manifestation "Five to Twelve", a project conceived and prepared by Croatia's European Integration Ministry, aims at pointing to the urgent need for the adjustment to demands and standards the European Union set for candidate-countries, Jakovcic explained, adding that after 10 lost years Croatia today had a unique opportunity to approach the European Union. The head of a delegation of the European Commission in Croatia, Ambassador Per Vinther, told reporters that 50 years ago on May 9 French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman composed a declaration which laid foundations for a modern Europe. We are satisfied that cooperation and relations between Croatia and the European union are developing a lot faster than in the past, he added. Vinther said that the Agreement on the Stabilisation and Association would bring many conveniences to Croatia, such as financial and technical assistance, and investments. (hina) it mm