Croatia and Austria have excellent economic relations which need to be broaden, said Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Josip Leko yesterday at the meeting with Austrian Parliament Speaker Barbara Prammer. He reminded that Austria is the largest source of foreign investments in Croatia.
Barbara Prammer underscored the main issue of EU funds and putting the money to full use marking that there were concrete projects which Austrian investors were interested in. – It is important to obey the rule of law. Now is time to implement all the laws adopted before EU accession in order to have a live legal framework in everyday life, said Prammer transmitting the message of Austrian entrepreneurs with businesses in Croatia.
Leko and Prammer agreed on necessity to strengthen parliamentary cooperation especially within the framework of European affairs and regional initiatives such as the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. Youth unemployment was underlined as the main challenge that Europe has to tackle stronger. Leko expressed his wish to solve the open issues between the two countries, such as property restitution to the Austrian citizens. He also announced amendments to the Law on Restitution/Compensation of Property Taken during the Time of the Yugoslav Communist Government.
Prammer underlined the fact that she had chosen Croatia for her first official visit as a re-elected president of the National Council after parliamentary election held earlier this year in order to prove how much importance she gives to good relations between Austria and Croatia.