The trade unions' support to Croatia's joining the EU is not in question, but we insist the existing labour and social rights be preserved and increased, SSSH president Vesna Dejanovic said.
She stressed that the government, trade unions and employers should reach a broad consensus and build a joint platform for negotiations with the EU.
Deputy Prime Minister Damir Polancec agreed and said Croatia cannot approach economic revival and necessary reforms without a consensus among social partners.
He called for the strengthening of social dialogue and constructive criticism aimed at raising the competitiveness of the Croatian economy, securing a sustainable development and lowering the unemployment rate.
The head of the European Commission's Delegation in Croatia, Vincent Degert, said Croatia was facing three challenges - the screening process, namely the adjustment of Croatia's legislation to that of the EU, adopting and implementing the EU's acquis communautaire, and the participation of its citizens in these processes.
The secretary general of the European Confederation of Trade Unions, John Monks, said Croatia's joining the EU brought both opportunities and problems, stressing however that integration processes were the best path towards modernisation of society and the economy.