"Croatia got a brilliant opportunity to combine the basic and natural sciences and exposure to competition on the large European knowledge market, so we will see our abilities on the knowledge market," Primorac said after the signing ceremony.
"I'm pleased to see the door of European research wide open to the Western Balkan countries," said European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik, who signed the memorandum on behalf of the European Commission.
The memorandum of understanding gives Croatia associated status and an equal opportunity to take part in research projects along with EU member states.
The Seventh Framework Programme guarantees Croatian scientists, scientific institutions and small and medium-sized companies continued access to all relevant projects covered by this Framework Programme.
Primorac stressed the importance of the Seventh Framework Programme for the Croatian economy, saying that "funds coming from the Seventh Framework Programme are partly intended for the development of new technologies and innovations, without which the economy cannot grow."
Association documents were also signed by Macedonia and Serbia.