President Milanović in Samobor: Europe without borders is impossible, but situation without border controls should be secured

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović attended a special session of Samobor City Council on the occasion of Municipal Day.

In his address, President Milanović underlined the importance of benefiting from our membership in the EU. “We must all get the most out of it because it is up to us to be active and ingenious enough in terms of tapping money from the European funds”, he noted.  The concept of the European Union, according to him, is to provide new markets and give political control to large states, while smaller states are given a chance to develop their infrastructure and improve the quality of life through various projects. “Croatia is part of such a world”, the President of the Republic added.

“The border is back, but not as a barbed wire or a razor wire, which the Slovenian government recently removed, but border controls have been reinstated. I understand them since their domestic policy gives them no choice. Yet, on those border crossings they certainly will not catch the ones they are after, namely illegal migrants”, President Milanović commented on the introduction of border controls by Slovenia. The President of the Republic feels that illegal migrants will not cross the border carrying banners, but will circulate where there are no controls.

“Nevertheless, that is a lesson to remind ourselves that the European Union is first and foremost an alliance of national states with a history, an identity and a character, but with fears as well”, he noted, adding that a Europe without borders is impossible. He thereby stressed the importance of maintaining the situation without border controls. “For nearly eight months we had no border controls and it will be like that again, circumstances will change, a new crisis will occur. We have to do everything possible to assure as peaceful a world as possible, without wars, destruction and horrors, because our state lives and prospers from that”, the President of the Republic stated.

Related to Samobor, the President highlighted its long tradition of a city of craftspeople and industry, and wished that Samobor continues to be at the top and competes with the most successful.

Addressing City Council besides President Milanović were the president of Samobor City Council Miran Šoić, the mayor of Samobor Petra Škrobot, the mayor of Glina Ivan Janković and the president of Zagreb County Assembly Martina Glasnović. On the occasion of the special session of the City Council, commendations were presented to prominent citizens to whom Samobor is indebted for their work and efforts.

Accompanying President Milanović was the Adviser to the President for Human Rights and Civil Society Melita Mulić.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas