"The European Commission is a serious institution which seeks a joint and the best solution for Croatian shipyards, as confirmed today," he told reporters, adding that it was up to the government to confirm the contract.
Asked if the initialled contract could be altered, Vrdoljak said that neither side either should or wanted to change what had been initialled and sent to the Commission.
"Everything that was agreed on was harmonised with the European Commission in the text which the Commission approved and the government will discuss."
Asked about other state-owned shipyards, Vrdoljak said information from the Commission about Brodotrogir was positive and that the Commission's experts were analysing the restructuring programme and draft contracts. He expects the privatisation contract for Brodotrogir to be signed in March.
The minister went on to say that the process was longer for the 3. Maj dock, as a lot remained to be agreed with the European Commission and the Uljanik shipyard.
Asked about Finance Minister Slavko Linic's objections to a bill of amendments to the law on the privatisation of the oil company INA and how this law would be amended, Vrdoljak said "we are completely clear and transparent and will do what is best both for INA and for Croatian citizens."
He said the bill was sent to the relevant state bodies and that it was aimed at maximising Croatia's interests and respecting the commitments that had been undertaken.