Don't stop now - the EU's enlargement process must continue apace, writes Dr Ivo Sanader.
It was a privilege to be in Dublin on May Day weekend for the Day of Welcomes and to witness the historic enlargement of the European Union. It was one of those rare moments when one genuinely senses an irrevocable historical shift. As Prime Minister of Croatia it also reinforced my commitment to ensuring Croatia is part of the next wave of enlargement and that we, too, can take our place at the heart of a growing Union.
Some observers may feel a sense of "enlargement fatigue" or that the EU should adopt a slower pace. I believe the opposite should be the case. The artificial divides of Europe's past are being cast aside. The new wave of enlargement has brought renewed optimism and determination to those nations which seek to be among the next members of the Union.
The new enlargement has inspired a common vision of a better tomorrow. No European nation which shares and is committed to this vision and its associated values should be left behind.
I believe this historical enlargement process now has a continuous, inclusive and irreversible nature. Above all I believe that the true potential of the European project will not be realised until the countries of south-east Europe join the EU.
Sceptics question whether the EU will be able to absorb ongoing enlargement. The new member-states have had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the working culture of European institutions since last April.
The EU's history shows that it has always managed to find a way to embrace new members while maintaining efficient functioning of its institutions. I am convinced that it will be the same with the latest enlargement, though it is the largest in its history.
Ireland's Presidency of the EU is proving to be one of the most significant of recent times. Despite the fact that no compromise was reached at the Inter-Governmental Conference in Brussels last December, discreet and skilful diplomatic efforts of the Irish Presidency have put the Constitutional Treaty of the EU back on the table. It now seems this treaty may well be finally agreed in June. It is perhaps a symbolic coincidence that the treaty will be adopted after the enlargement, by all 25 member-states.
The Irish Presidency will also have a critical role in mapping out the structure and momentum for the next wave of enlargement.
Croatia believes that enlargement directly contributes to the strengthening of the EU. The frontiers of Europe's values are expanding. Each new country adds to the EU's capacity to fulfil its global role.
The European Commission recently gave Croatia a favourable Opinion on its application for EU membership and recommended that accession negotiations begin. The Opinion positively assesses our political and economic achievements relevant for EU membership, and our ability to harmonise our national legislation with European standards.
The enlargement Commissioner, Mr Günther Verheugen, commented that Croatia "is better placed today than most of the countries that joined on May 1st."
Croatia has been recognised as "a functioning democracy, with stable institutions guaranteeing the rule of law" and a functioning market economy. The Avis states that Croatia is now "co-operating fully" with the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague.
Croatia is a country that has come a long way in implementing the Copenhagen criteria and political conditions determined by the stabilisation and association process. Our immediate aim is to obtain the European Council's decisions in June on granting a candidate status, as well as a date on opening the accession negotiations.
The commencement of negotiations with the EU would not only accelerate reform and modernisation already under way in Croatia, but would also strengthen Euro-enthusiasm in the region as a whole.
As the EU's External Relations Commissioner, Mr Chris Patten, recently said at the German Bundestag: "Our decision on Croatia is a clear signal to the other countries of the western Balkans. It makes concrete our promise to them that they will become member-states provided that they meet the conditions."
There is a real choice to be made. Accession to the EU is not merely good for Croatia and its people; it will serve to galvanise the region as a whole. That is why Croatia's case is so important.
Needless to say we have learned much from Ireland's experience of EU membership and how a small nation can not merely benefit from membership but make a substantial contribution to the development of the Union. Ireland, too, had its struggle for membership and eventually prevailed. We will show no less determination than Ireland did.
Croatia will work with might and main to be ready for EU membership in 2007. Of course, there will be challenges ahead. But as a people we are prepared to meet and overcome these challenges. The EU did not wait for the new member-countries to complete their reforms before it opened its doors. May 1st showed that the crucial factors are political will, vision and determined leadership. If the process is right and the commitment is strong, results will surely follow.
Further enlargement and the sound functioning of EU institutions are not incompatible processes. On the contrary, they are inseparable building blocks of a united Europe. I fully agree with Commission President Romano Prodi who believes that "enlargement is the Union's masterpiece". I am convinced that Croatia is also a part of that masterpiece.
Dr Ivo Sanader is Prime Minister of Croatia