Speaking at the round table debate "Croatia's National and Cultural Identity and EU Membership", held as part of the central event celebrating Europe Day, Wunenburger said that his position was corroborated by this weekend's celebration of the Day of St. Domnius in Split. This is the first time support for the EU in a new candidate country has decreased to less than 50 percent from 75 percent 18 months ago, Wunenburger said.
The fear of losing one's national identity existed in all EU member countries, but that fear was subsequently overcome because those countries realised that shared sovereignty did not mean loss of one's national identity and dignity, Wunenburger said.
Croats can be proud of being Croats and they will be able to feel so also when they become members of the EU, Wunenburger said.
Greeting the meeting, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader said he did not agree with some of Wunenburger's statements.
"I don't agree that the reason for the fall of popularity of the European Union in Croatia is nationalism or opposition to the EU. I believe that it is the result of ongoing debates about different topics, but I sincerely believe that EU entry is still supported by 75 percent of people and I believe that this will be so when the time comes for the referendum. I am not worried about the drop (in support for EU entry), although I would be happier if the percentage was higher, but the reasons are not of the fundamental nature, they are rather affected by the current situation," Sanader said.
Croatia has obligations which it must fulfil and the policy pursued by the incumbent government is not insisted on by the EU, Sanader said, adding that the government enjoyed the support of most parliamentary parties. The government's policy is in line with European values, he added.
"Cooperation with the Hague tribunal is our obligation, and those who use the case of Ante Gotovina for manipulation are working to the detriment of Croatia. There can be no exceptions in cooperation with the tribunal and in the implementation of the Constitutional Law on Cooperation with the ICTY," Sanader said, adding that those who thought differently were in a minority.
We will do our best on the road to the EU to become an element of stability, peace and progress in this part of Europe and to start membership talks as soon as possible, because we are ready for them, Sanader said.
The EU is a dream of united Europe come true, a dream of putting an end to the bloody wars which marked its entire history, and it pays and is worthwhile to fight for such a Europe, the PM said.
"There is no alternative to the EU, isolation threatens Croatia's cultural and national identity. That is why I am a convinced European," the PM concluded.
The meeting in Split was also addressed by Foreign Minister Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic, academicians Davorin Rudolf and Mislav Jezic, and European Commission member Pierre Mirel.