President Milanović in Legrad: EU money is your money, take it
“We belong to the West, but the meaning of life for us and this generation is the Croatian state, the Republic of Croatia, and then the European Union and NATO and all that we see around us, while making sure that no one drags us into any second or third conflict without our will and desire,” the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović said today in Legrad at a special session of the Municipal Council, which was held on the occasion of Municipality Day.
Speaking at a special session of the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Legrad, President Milanović reflected on Croatia’s decade-long European Union membership, pointing out that by joining the EU Croatia had “joined the company of the wealthiest and most experienced masters of all tricks, and it must participate.”
“Ten years ago, we joined the European Union. All worries, doubts and shortcomings should have ended there, and a much better life should have ensued, but it didn’t. This is just one developmental phase in our life and in the existence of a democratic Croatia,” said President Milanović, emphasizing that money from EU funds is our money for which we do not need to be grateful to anyone. “It’s your money, be smart enough and take it,” he said.
The President went on to say that Croatia is surrounded by friends and partners, and he compared Croatian villages with those in Hungary and Slovenia: “The villages here look a little better, in Slovenia they look better than here; differences exist. We joined the European Union to compete with the best for the status of the best and most independent, i.e. the status of those who produce the best. Money, ideas and people are needed for that struggle.” He added that money from the European Union is invested where there is no direct profit.
Extending his congratulations to the residents of Legrad on Municipality Day and the 30th anniversary of the Municipality of Legrad, President Milanović also said the following: “The first thirty years were a time in which you had to prove that you have the right to exist. Abolishing municipalities with less than 2000 inhabitants is not fair. The system has proven to be sustainable. Power is what you should fight for, within the limits of your abilities. There are many attributes of power and one is money and the right to make decisions about your own affairs. This money is not big and its sources are limited, but they are sufficient for organizing a decent life.”
Also speaking at the special session apart from President Milanović were the President of the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Legrad Alen Dedi, Head of the Municipality of Legrad Ivan Sabolić, Head of the Municipality of Drnje Petar Dombaj on behalf of the heads of municipalities and mayors attending the event, Koprivnica-Križevci County Prefect Darko Koren and Member of the Croatian Parliament and Mayor of Koprivnica Mišel Jakšić.
Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for the Economy Velibor Mačkić accompanied President Milanović at the event.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Ana Marija Katić