Out in Canberra, Croatian National Day

Seen at the Croatian National Day, July 1

Joe and Monica Shanahan, Melissa, Lilian and Vlad Mosmondor

The 22nd anniversary of the Croatian National Day and the accession of Croatia into the European Union was acknowledged with the raising of the EU flag and a quick shot of rakia, the grappa of the region that warms the body instantly, before going indoors for the formalities. Croatia, once part of Yugoslavia held together by the formidable Marshal Tito, has with its small population of just five million finally made it into the EU and it has been a rough and long ride.

Initially it will not have the euro as currency so don’t toss out your ‘kuna’ – not to be confused with the PNG ‘kina’ -  and start travelling to Croatia. Ambassador of the EU in Australia, David Daly, spoke of his involvement in the negotiations for the accession of Croatia before his posting to Australia and was proud to be part of this flag raising and toasting of that achievement.