Croatian members of the European Parliament commented on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's address on the state of the Union, warning about the promises the Commission made at the start of its term and the EU weaknesses shown by the health crisis.

In her address on Wednesday, von der Leyen spoke about the Commission’s efforts to overcome the health and economic crises over the past year, the situation in the world, and her views on how the EU should respond to future challenges.

Tonino Picula of the Social Democratic Party said the EU, during the von der Leyen Commission, had still not managed to impose itself as a key protagonist on the global scene.

During a plenary debate, he invited von der Leyen to support Croatia’s Schengen entry.

You say that we must remove the obstacles between us, so it’s about Schengen. In line with previous conclusions by the Commission and Parliament, I invite you to support Croatia’s Schengen entry, which would make life considerably easier for our citizens and enhance economic cooperation, Picula said, adding that it was a pity von der Leyen had not talked more about EU enlargement.

The EP’s chief European budget negotiator, Karlo Ressler of the Croatian Democratic Union, called von der Leyen’s address balanced and focusing on the importance of a more resilient Europe.

Valter Flego of the Istrian Democratic Party welcomed the EU’s focus on green policies, but told Hina they should be effected more quickly. “This address on the state of the Union is good, as was yesterday’s ‘Fit for 55’. It’s all good, but I think operational decision making is too slow.”

Ladislav Ilcic of the Croatian Sovereignists told Hina von der Leyen’s address “was very positive, but without a real foundation.”

“When you listen to her, it’s as if the EU has handled the pandemic impeccably, yet we know that hasn’t been the case and that there were serious problems with vaccine production and distribution,” he said.