MINTAS-HODAK ACQUAINTS DIPLOMATS WITH EU INTEGRATION OFFICE WORK

( Editorial: --> 7859 ) ZAGREB, Oct 12 (Hina) - Croatia wants to join the European Union (EU) as full-right member-country, and the task of the European Integration Office (UEI) is to act towards that goal, UEI head Ljerka Mintas-Hodak told EU ambassadors in Zagreb on Monday. Mintas-Hodak acquainted the guests with UEI's organisation and activities. Established on April 2, 1998, the UEI consists of three departments - the Department for Legislation Strategy Drafting and Adjustment, the Department for Coordinating International Financial Assistance, and the Department for Translation and Information. The EU ambassadors learned that the UEI organised competitions and granted scholarships for post-graduate European studies, which include law, economy, politics, and administration. This September, the UEI also held the first seminar for state employees called "Institutional Adaptation of Public Administration in the Republic of Croatia in the Process of European Integration". The EU ambassadors were also acquainted with UEI's activities towards the adjustment of Croatian legislation to European legal standards, and the drafting of a plan on Croatia's integration activities towards better connections with the EU. The ambassadors offered their assistance in education in European studies, as well as their experience in organising state administration business in view of adapting to European regulations. (hina) ha jn 122149 MET oct 98