Zagreb - Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković called in Copenhagen on Monday on Western Balkan leaders to adopt clearer pro-European rhetoric and advocated stronger commitment to EU enlargement.
Addressing a conference of speakers of EU member state parliaments, he said enlargement represented a strategic investment in the Union’s unity, resilience and global influence, while welcoming the granting of candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.
This is a clear signal of the EU’s readiness to politically, economically and in security terms integrate partner countries that share its values, he said in a speech titled “Europe in a Changing World: Security, Enlargement and the Role of Parliaments”.
He said EU enlargement to countries in the region was the most effective instrument for achieving long-term stability, but warned there were no shortcuts as the accession process must remain merit-based.
There can be no compromise on the rule of law, democratic governance and the protection of fundamental rights, which form the very core of European values, Jandroković said.
He also referred to Ukraine, which has been fighting Russian aggression since February 2022, saying political support must be accompanied by continued financial and military assistance in its fight for freedom.
He is also due to hold bilateral meetings with the speakers of the Czech and Belgian senates, Miloš Vystrčil and Vincent Blondel.