A law ratifying the treaty was signed by Queen Beatrix two days before the Dutch Senate ratified it on April 16, while King Willem-Alexander will sign the instrument of the ratification, which has to be deposited with the Italian government which keeps all EU treaties, by June 30, so that Croatia can join the EU on July 1.
"In a way, Croatia's accession treaty will have the signatures of both Dutch monarchs," the ambassador said at the reception, which was attended by Parliament Speaker Josip Leko, President Ivo Josipovic's wife Tatjana, Croatian MPs, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and Croatian cultural and public figures.
"2013 is an important year for Croatia and its citizens. Croatia will become the 28th EU member country on July 1. This is a result of work, dedication, setting priorities and focus," Ronner-Grubacic said, congratulating the incumbent and previous governments, parliament, and "every one of you who contributed to this success."
She said this was an important year for the Netherlands as well, given that Queen Beatrix abdicated in her son's favour after 33 years on the throne, making Willem-Alexander the first man on the Dutch throne in 120 years.
As of 2014, the Dutch national day will be celebrated on April 27, on the king's birthday, and will be called King's Day, she said.