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EMEF Charter

Acknowledging the fact that Croatia is a Mediterranean country, with its Adriatic Sea, coast and islands unique in the world by means of environmental preservation, natural biodiversity, culture and historical heritage as key underpinnings of national economic growth and general prosperity,
Euro-Mediterranean Forum adopts and proclaims its
                                                                                     CHARTER
1. Croatia is a maritime country, what provides immeasurable advantages for the economic development, but also imposes a need for national Mediterranean strategy that includes marine, coastal and insular issues and perspectives.
2. All of proclaimed national interests and state policies of Croatia should necessarily reflect the Adriatic and the Mediterranean aspects.
3. Sustainable development in Croatia takes into account the comprehensive protection of particularly sensitive resources of the Adriatic Sea, includes application of the highest environmental standards and technologies, promotes traditional economy and modern added-value production, use of renewable energy sources, prevention of the island communities’ disappearance, investments in knowledge economy and innovation centers, urban and regional planning and communication building.
4. Croatia has large quantities of drinking water that must permanently remain in national property and be treated as a supreme national interest.
5. Croatia, as the link between the Mediterranean and Central Europe, must encourage the development of its shipping, sea ports, as well as road and railway networks on strategic routes.
6. Special concern must be dedicated to high education, science, innovation, technology and telecommunications, as preconditions for successful development of Croatia.
7. Energy stability, efficiency and balance of the available resources and needs will be achieved through adequate planning and measures for rational use, as well as with encouraging the investment in renewable energy sources.
8. The economies of all the Mediterranean countries, including Croatia, might be significantly improved within regional cooperation projects and trade agreements, with respect to socio-economic specifics of each country.
9. A precondition of stability and cooperation in the Mediterranean is the political dialogue and acceptance of the principle of equality of all countries participating in the integration processes.
10. Being aware of the importance of active participation of civil society organizations in the decision making process, Euro-Mediterranean Forum accepts the Charter of the Euro-Mediterranean Non-governmental Platform.