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EU Newsbrief: Welcome Croatia!

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Croatia joined the European Union as its 28th Member State, marking another milestone in the creation of a united Europe. Torn by conflict only two decades ago, the country is now a stable democracy, capable of taking on the obligations of EU membership.

Reflecting on Croatia's EU membership, EU Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida, in a video with Croatia's Ambassador to the United States Josko Paro, pointed out that Croatia becoming a member shows the dynamism and vitality of the European Union. It also illustrates how much has changed in the Balkans, where the prospect of joining the EU has been a driving force in terms of reform and reconciliation. "It's good for Croatia, but it's also good for Europe," said Ambassador Vale de Almeida, noting that Croatia's membership "contributes to our stability, security and also to our prosperity."

Ambassador Paro noted that the benefits of EU membership are mutual and that Croatia will be an agent of peace. "Above all, we are a living proof that the European Union is about enlarging the area of peace and prosperity," he said. "This very process of accession has changed the country from within so profoundly and fundamentally that from a country in conflict, we are now a country that can project the experience of stabilization, internal reconciliation and peace to our neighborhoods."

Both Ambassadors also highlighted that a stronger Europe is good for America.

VIDEO: http://www.euintheus.org/videos/interview-with-eu-ambassador-joao-vale-de-almeida-and-croatian-ambassador-josko-paro-on-croatias-entry-into-the-eu/

SOURCE Delegation of the European Union to the United States