Croatia’s economy has profited from its EU membership and will continue to do so for years to come, according to State Secretary, Andreja Metelko-Zgombic.

“We are the EU’s youngest member and we had the least possibilities to utilise EU funds, as opposed to other members who had the chance for years and have developed the know-how for it, but regardless of all of that – we have achieved a lot,” Metelko-Zgombic told HRT, the public broadcaster, on Saturday.  

She said that many projects are ongoing and that documentation for more is being prepared. 

“Our farmers must understand that ecological production is the future,” she said, adding that the focus should shift to that kind of production.  

Joining the EU has brought Croatia into an open market and every country needs some time to adjust to it and find ways in which it can use all the mechanisms membership brings with it, she said, pointing out that “Croatia is on a good path.”

Croatia has 11 representatives in the EU Parliament, and the State Secretary said that “every voice is heard” there.  

“With the departure of Great Britain from the EU, the possibility of Croatia having another representative is being considered,” she said.  

Croatia will also soon be presiding over the EU, and preparations for that are ongoing.  

“This will be the most demanding project and a chance for us to show what we can do, what we are and what we can be,” she said.