Thanks for recognising Croatia's achievements by choosing me for this award, Sanader said at Charles University before promoted students of the European Journalism Institute and the American Institute of Political and Economic Studies, and senior officials of the University and the Fund for American Studies, which sponsors the award.
In his address, Sanader underlined the importance of the project of united Europe, which he labelled as the biggest peace project in the history of mankind. The European Union is the best way to create a better future for Europe, he said.
Speaking of enlargement fatigue in some EU countries, the absorption capacity which has been mentioned as a possible membership criteria, and the European constitution, Sanader said those issues should not affect Croatia's future in the EU.
Croatia will continue with the negotiating process, which I hope will finish in the course of 2008. By then, I believe the EU will find a solution to its problems, he said, voicing hope Croatia would be a full member by the June 2009 elections for the European parliament. He added the Union's doors should remain open for the other countries in the western Balkans after that.
Sanader said he was also optimistic about Croatia's accession to the European Monetary Union and added that Zagreb already met some criteria for admission to the Eurozone.
He also underlined the importance of EU-US partnership, saying it was the key condition for peace and security in the world.
Later today, Sanader was due to meet Czech Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek.