Dear friends, party colleagues,
In front of you is my newsletter for the first half of this year, which, as expected, proved to be quite politically challenging for the European Union and Croatia as its still newest member. Pandemic circumstances have indeed changed, since the beginning of the year vaccines of a number of manufacturers are available in the EU and Croatia, which has reduced pressure on health facilities and fortunately reduced mortality from the vicious COVID-19 virus, but still the level of vaccination in our country is not satisfactory. Let me suggest that, if you haven't already, take the opportunity to protect yourself and the lives of your loved ones, as well as all our fellow citizens, by getting vaccinated. This is especially important in light of the emergence of new and more dangerous strains of the virus, which threaten to prolong the uncertainties in which we live, health and economy. And in the shadow of a pandemic, the European Union has gone a step further. I am glad that I have helped contributing in this first half of the year.
Just before the release of this newsletter, the EP's Foreign Affairs Committee also adopted my Report on the Future of EU-US Relations, which became one of the foundations for the European Union's long-term policy towards the US: it is in fact a new agenda emphasizing multilateral cooperation for a healthier world, the fight against climate change, reformed trade rules, the promotion of democracy and an order based on common values, as well as the reform of a global order centered on the fight against social and economic inequalities. Finally, I am proud to have held a meeting in early July with the EC Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski, to whom I had the opportunity to present arguments for the protection of our traditional wine, Prošek. I am pleased with his interest in the subject and I believe that we are going in the right direction in order to, despite unfounded Italian opposition, secure Prošek a place at European tables under his real name. For all your questions, my office is still at your disposal.
Sincerely, Tonino
