A conference organised by Croatian MEP Dubravka Suica was held on Wednesday in the European Parliament building in Brussels on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of Croatia’s joining the European Union.

“Today, this is an opportunity to send a message about the achievements accomplished by Croatia as a EU member,” said Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, adding that he would continue to oppose populism.

“We will not fall into a trap of resorting to the rhetoric of those parties on the extreme sides of the political spectrum. I have said over and over again that I fight against populism and advocate mainstream views,” Plenkovic said.

Croatia joined the bloc on July 1, 2013.

Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament, said that Croatia’s membership in the EU was beneficial for both the country and the bloc, adding that Croatia’s GDP growth rates were above the EU average in the last three years.

“EU membership was the best thing for Croatia,” said EPP Women chairwoman Doris Pack, adding that it was important to emphasise positive sides of the European Union in the time when populism and nationalism are rising all over Europe.

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