The Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, Yvonne Tončić-Sorinj, presented on Wednesday Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Star for services to the Republic of Austria to Boris Vujčić, Governor of the Croatian National Bank, at the Austrian Embassy in Zagreb.

"As a leading Croatian economist, central banker, public servant and Governor of the Croatian National Bank, you have made a significant contribution to Croatia's accession to the European Union and to establishing Croatia as a stable economy within the EU, the single market and the Euro area. As Deputy Chief Negotiator for Croatia's accession to the EU, you deserve credit for the chapters related to the Single Market and External Relations, and as a central banker for the stability of the kuna against the euro, ensuring the application of the Maastricht criteria for Croatia. Under your leadership, Croatia joined the euro area, and your actions have strengthened the country in dealing with shocks such as the great financial crisis, COVID-19 and the energy crisis, fighting inflation and promoting investment and growth. Since 2016 you have chaired the Vienna Initiative, which was established by the Republic of Austria in 2009 during the Great Financial Crisis to enhance the financial stability of Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe. With this award, we recognise your great contribution to Austrian Croatian relations and the development of the European Union", said the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria.

Governor Boris Vujčić thanked the Ambassador for the decoration, saying he was proud to have contributed to Croatia's integration into the European Union and the European Monetary Union, to the stability and growth of Croatia, Austria and the EU, as well as to relations between the two friendly countries, expressing hope that Croatia, Austria and the EU would continue to progress to the benefit of their citizens.