Mesic stressed that Croatia had launched negotiations on full EU membership, and was not covered by the regional approach. He added that Europe was carrying out the millennium project of unification and integration and not assimilation.
The president said Croatia's team for negotiations with the EU was competent and well prepared for EU membership talks. The negotiations are neither trade nor lobbying, but the process of defining national interests, Mesic said and added that he expected a national consensus on national interests. However, if we don't implement reforms, it will be just a dead letter, Mesic said reiterating that that the public should be informed of the need for joining the EU.
Commenting on the situation in the defence sector, Mesic said he was satisfied with reforms, but dissatisfied with the condition of the facilities used by Croatian military members.
Asked to comment on the position of the Armed Forces and the military budget, Mesic said consensus had been reach not to cut the military budget.