At a joint press conference after the meeting, the President thanked Juncker for his warm welcome, adding that their talks were constructive.
We share concern for the economic situation in Croatia and appeal to everyone in Croatia, including the government, to continue structural reforms so that Croatia can come out of the crisis in which it has been for several years, President Grabar-Kitarovic told reporters. The European Commission is a very good interlocutor and I believe that through joint efforts and reform programmes, Croatia can come out of the crisis, she added.
Grabar-Kitarovic wants Croatia's position in the EU to be more prominent, assessing that after almost two years of membership it was time for Croatia to strengthen its role when it comes to creating joint policies.
We also addressed the question of employment at senior positions in the EC, where we would like to see more Croats and Mr Juncker promised that he would consider this matter, the President said.
When it comes to absorbing European funds and the Strategic Investment Fund, she said that she was satisfied with the fact that one of the first projects to have co-financing approved was the construction of the Dubrovnik airport, while she underlined the importance of an LNG terminal on the island of Krk and transport connection of Croatia's north and south. She added that she hoped that the EU would offer its assistance and that Croatia will utilise the funds that are available to it.
Juncker added that it was very important that one of the first investment projects that will be developed through financing from a new European fund was a Croatian project, adding that the EU was treating Croatia as an old member.
Grabar-Kitarovic said that she had discussed with Juncker his earlier statements that there would not be any new enlargement of the EU for the next five years, which led to various comments in Southeast Europe.
That's a technical issue and not a question of any barriers. Enlargement is continuing based on the progress made by individual countries and their meeting the criteria, which takes time, Grabar-Kitarovic explained, recalling that Croatia will offer its assistance to neighbouring countries.
One of the topics discussed was the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the need to find a solution to politically emancipate the country. The President stressed the importance for the Croatian people in BiH to finally become equal to the other two ethnic peoples in the country.
President Grabar-Kitarovic reflected on the question of freedom of movement for Croatian citizens. This year 11 member states are considering to extend the transition period which according to the President, it is in Croatia's interest that the labour market be opened up. Naturally, we don't want people to emigrate from Croatia but we want to enable them that choice so that Croatian citizens can enjoy equal status with other EU citizens, she said.
Juncker said that the EC supported Croatia in its desire for its citizens to freely move within the EU but that each member state will decide on that issue for themselves.
President Grabar-Kitarovic explained her recent statement to Bloomberg that Croatia would introduce the euro in 2020, saying that 2020 was the earliest that Croatia could expect to join the euro area. "Not before 2020" was my response to that question, she said, adding that she hoped that Croatia would be ready to meet all technical criteria to join the Schengen Area in two years, once inspections, which are expected to start on 1 July, were completed.
Although he did not wish to specify any dates, Juncker said that it was natural that Croatia enter the euro area, but that it required a great deal of effort to reach that target.