Olli Rehn, EU Enlargement Commissioner, Milan Bandic, Major of Zagreb, and Branko Baricevic, Ambassador of Croatia to the EU, opened yesterday the "Zagreb" Photo Exhibition at the Berlaymont, European Commission building.

The author of the photographs, Ivo Pervan, was also present during the opening.

Commissioner Rehn spoke about the progress Croatia made on its path to the EU and the goals it needs to achieve to become a member state of the EU as soon as possible. He also mentioned the fight against corruption and the border dispute with Slovenia.

“After six months of intensive efforts, and after having consumed even the injury time, it is now up to the two neighbouring countries to talk to each other and find a solution.

“If the negotiations are unblocked soon, it should still be possible to reach their final phase by the end of this year, provided that Croatia delivers on the outstanding reforms. The Commission and, I am sure, the incoming Swedish Presidency support Croatia to reach this goal”, said Rehn.

Commissioner Rehn congratulated the photographer, Ivo Pervan, “for illustrating this richness of Croatia so brightly in his work, with its focus on cultural and natural heritage”.