At a press conference he held at the headquarters of the Croatian National Council (HNV), Stier stressed that he had been part of a European Parliament delegation that visited Belgrade on Friday, and that he considered the visit to the Croat community important for the preparation of the annual report on the situation in Serbia.
The EPP MEP stated that European values are founded on respect for diversity and that national minorities represent an important bridge of cooperation between states.
"The Croat community in Subotica and in Serbia is a bridge towards the Republic of Croatia and the European Union, and its voice plays an important role," Stier said.
During the day, he visited the Catholic Archdiocese of Belgrade, the Diocese of Syrmia in Sremska Mitrovica and in Subotica he was a guest of the HNV.
The HNV President, Jasna Vojnić, assessed Stier’s visit as an important political signal, as well as an expression of human support for the Croat minority in Serbia.
According to her, the visit provided an opportunity to reopen concrete issues faced by the Croat community, including anti-Croat sentiment, community participation in political activities, inclusion in institutions, and financial support for projects.
"We cannot give up on insisting that Serbia fulfil its obligations and become more involved in ensuring the rights of our community. We are loyal citizens of the Republic of Serbia, and we do not remain silent about our problems and needs; instead, we speak about them openly and clearly," she emphasised.
Stier was part of a European Parliament delegation that visited Belgrade on Friday and met with state officials, representatives of the opposition, activists from non-governmental organisations and the media.