Regional multilateral co-operation

Specific development projects

By participating in various regional organisations, initiatives and forums the Republic of Croatia has confirmed its commitment and contribution to regional co-operation as a crucial instrument of stability, trust and progress for all countries in the region. Aware of the fact that strengthening democratic processes, improving the economy and accepting Euro-Atlantic standards in countries in the region represent a common benefit, the Republic of Croatia continued even more intensively to offer its experiences and capacities through various co-operation modalities.

Implementation of the integration process and finally membership in the European Union is a priority of the Croatian foreign policy and the backbone of regional co-operation of the Republic of Croatia in South East Europe. As a leading political and economic factor in the region, Croatia is aware of its role in the preservation of peace and stability in the region.

A comprehensive approach to regional co-operation through the application of the principle of regional ownership, with a view to developing full potential of project-oriented co-operation, is the priority

of cross border and transnational activity of the Republic of Croatia.

The South East European Co-operation Process (SEECP) – In 2009, within the framework of SEECP, Croatia continued to advocate the development of dialogue and the strengthening of good-neighbourly relations in the region. During Moldova's Chairmanship-in-Office until June, and during Turkey's subsequent Chairmanship-in-Office, Croatia demonstrated the proper way of acting through the implementation of national reforms, strengthening of tolerance and political dialogue. At the same time, it provided substantial support to countries in the region on their path towards the fulfilment of conditions for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Croatia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandroković attended the meeting of SEECP Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and the Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor attended the SEECP summit in Chisinau in June which concluded Moldova's Chairmanship-in-Office. The summit in Chisinau adopted a Joint Statement of the Heads of State and Government, defining three

key influences on the region in the preceding period: the EU accession process, the world economic crisis and the establishment of the rule of law.

Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) – The Republic of Croatia's key interest in co-operation with the RCC as a co-ordinating instrument arises primarily from the fact that the two basic guidelines for RCC operations – co-operation in the region and full integration into Euro-Atlantic associations – are at the same time Croatia's strategic interests. The Council's task is to generate and co-ordinate development projects aimed at strengthening the capacities of countries in South East Europe and promoting their continuous alignment with the processes and standards of Euro-Atlantic associations. It is also very encouraging that interested states, donors and EU institutions, whose sponsorship facilitates the implementation of individual projects, are active participants in RCC bodies. Together with other partner countries, the Republic of Croatia asserted an interest in the projects of the Regional Fire-fighting Centre, with headquarters in Divulje near Split. Another project in which Croatia has comparative advantages as an implementing country is the Regional Centre for Public-Private Partnership. In line with its standpoint that countries in South East Europe can provide a more

successful response to the energy crisis and ensure stable energy sources through investments in the diversification of energy routes and sources, Croatia has also showed an interest in co-operation in the area of energy.

Central European Initiative (CEI) – As part of this Initiative in the foregoing period, the Republic of Croatia actively supported the strengthening of co-operation through the implementation of joint projects in the fields of cultural exchange, science and technology, and the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of management and human resources. On the basis of the experience gained in the course of pre-accession negotiations with the EU, Croatia advocated the progress of Euro-Atlantic integration processes in neighbouring countries. As in the previous years, in 2009 Croatia also placed special emphasis on environmental protection and human resources development. The annual CEI Diplomatic Forum was organised in May by the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration and the Center for Advanced Academic Studies in Dubrovnik, under the auspices of the CEI.

Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII) – Italy's Chairmanship-in-Office focused on the strengthening of co-operation at local and regional level, more intensive co-operation in the field of protection of the Adriatic

against pollution and the exchange of experience in relation to natural disasters. Croatia was active in all of the said areas. Economic co-operation primarily encouraged rural development of the member states, in particular through tourism and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The EU Strategy for the Danube Region – On 19 June, the European Council entrusted the European Commission with the task of drafting the EU Strategy for the Danube Region by the end of 2010, to be adopted during Hungary's Presidency or in the first half of 2011. At the “Danube Forum” in Linz, held on 29 June, Croatia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandroković voiced Croatia's full support for the EU Danube Region Strategy. In line with the standpoint that equal partnership in the drafting of the Danube Strategy is the basic precondition for its successful realisation, Croatia appointed a representative at the operative level who will take part in the preparatory phase of drafting the Strategy. The interest in the Danube Strategy arises primarily from the fact that it will include much of the Croatian territory and will primarily relate to economic co-operation and the financing of transnational projects of interest for the EU and the development of the Danube macro-region as a whole, thus providing opportunities for new forms of co-operation with countries in the region.

Alps-Adriatic Working Community – It is one of the oldest international organisations of regional character of which Croatia is a member. In 2009, Croatia was a member of the Presidium of the Alps-Adriatic Working Community, a body comprised of the current, former and upcoming chairing region/state (Croatia will preside in 2011 and 2012). The Alps-Adriatic Working Community is currently considering the restructuring of this initiative.

Migration, Asylum and Refugees Regional Initiative (MARRI) – Following the transfer of MARRI to regional ownership which took place during Croatia's presidency in 2008, the regional initiative re-confirmed its efficiency. The topics addressed by the participating states primarily concern the issue of illegal migration, trafficking and refugees, and are becoming more and more topical, as participation in the MARRI serves to strengthen co-operation of the states in South East Europe and EU Member States. Montenegro that took over the presidency in May, emphasised the need to further strengthen the analytical approach in all of the said areas, so that the results of MARRI's activity might be used not only by countries participating in the initiative, but also by other states and institutions.

Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI) – At a meeting of SECI in Bucharest in December 2009, Croatia was one of

the signatories of the new convention of the SELEC (South East European Law Enforcement Center), which has fulfilled the requirements for entering into force of the new legal framework for co-operation of the states in South East Europe in the field of combating trans-border organised crime. Along with the states of South East Europe, the representatives of Europol, Interpol and the corresponding US agency provided their full support to the future work of the SECI's Centre for Combating Trans-border Crime, which will have its seat in Bucharest. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding along with the related regional initiatives such as MARRI and RCC was also welcome.

Second year on the Security Council