S&D Group welcomes solid result for Croatian SDP in European elections ahead of July accession

Croatians yesterday elected their European representatives, due to become members of the European Parliament with Croatia’s accession to the European Union on 1 July 2013. The Social Democratic Party of Croatia obtained five seats in the election.

Hannes Swoboda, president of the S&D Group, who was the European Parliament’s rapporteur on Croatia’s accession, commented on the election: „I welcome the strong result for the Croatian Social Democratic party and I look forward to working closely with our new colleagues from 1 July onwards. Together, we will work for a stronger Europe for the people, for social justice and fairness for all people.

„The low turnout of 20.74% is regrettable but I hope that the impending accession of Croatia to the EU and the work of the country’s newly elected representatives will increase voters‘ participation in next year’s elections, when all 28 member states will elect a new European Parliament.“

Libor Rouček, S&D vice-president and the Parliament’s standing rapporteur on Croatia, said: „Once it accedes to the EU, Croatia will become responsible and accountable for EU-level decisions. Realising its full potential as a member state will also require a strong mandate for its Members of the European Parliament – the only directly elected EU institution – and a vibrant public debate on EU policies.“