The decision whereby the Croatian parliament on 8 October 1991 unanimously severed all ties with the former Yugoslavia and declared Croatia's independence was historic, brave and inevitable, the PM said. "The long-prepared aggression against Croatia had already begun, but it broke out in all its ugliness after that important day. We had to fight for our freedom for years, with big and painful sacrifices," he said.
He extended "deep gratitude and respect" to all Croatian defenders, notably those who died fighting for free and independent Croatia. "We will never forget them and will build our country so that it is deserving of their sacrifice, so that it is truly as the one they dreamt of, the one we all dreamt of."
Milanovic said that 24 years later new victories awaited Croatia after it joined NATO and the European Union. "Today we are fighting different battles, equally important for the future and prosperity of our country."
He said the progress was visible and measurable. "Croatia is a modern, stable and self-confident country, incomparably more functioning than a few years ago. It's a country which, in the worst refugee crisis since the last world war, has shown its humane face, solidarity and organisation, while simultaneously protecting Croatian national interests. In spite of everything that was happening, we are witness to real, sustainable economic growth and increasingly concrete positive results."
"We realise that there there is still plenty to do. We realise that only responsible and honest work can bring Croatian citizens full well-being in an economically successful and competitive state. This primarily means making it possible for anyone wishing to work to get a job with a decent and secure salary, but also providing for calm old age for every pensioner, for keeping our young people in the country, so that they will wish to build here and nowhere else their future, their family, a fulfilled and happy life... Just as 24 years ago we unanimously decided to be free and independent, I invite you now... to shape a better Croatia, in harmony and for the benefit of all."