On behalf of Javier Solana and the European Union I wish to offer condolences to the Croatian people, his family and the country's leaders, Gallach said. The European Union believes that the great job that Racan did while he was the prime minister and key figure in Croatia's politics was of fundamental importance for steering the country towards the path to the EU, spokeswoman Gallach told Croatian reporters.
The European Commission also extended condolences on the death of the former president of Croatia's strongest Opposition party and chairman of the national committee monitoring Croatia's EU accession talks.
The European Commission underlined Racan's key role as prime minister and Opposition leader in Croatia's progress towards EU membership.
British Minister for Europe Geoff Hoon on Monday offered condolences to the Social Democrats.
Ivica Racan played a very important role as prime minister and leader of the Social Democrats in the transition of his country and the entire region to a stable and prosperous future, Hoon said.
The Briton sent the letter of condolence to SDP vice president Zeljka Antunovic, according to a statement from the British Embassy in Zagreb.