”The expected EU membership of Croatia , once the country meets all the criteria, will reinforce the credibility of the EU enlargement policy. Croatia has so far demonstrated that strict application of membership criteria can be a strong incentive for reform and this model can serve as an example for other countries in the region to follow.” This is the main message of EPP Vice-Chairman Gunnar Hökmark (SE), Chairman of the EU-Croatia Joint Parliamentary Committee, in preparation of the next meeting with Croatian parliamentarians in Zagreb on 29-30 March.
”With Croatia as a Member State the EU will be able to engage with more determination in playing a constructive role in the region,” he added.
”The European Parliament has in the last years been consistent in supporting Croatia ’s efforts in implementing the necessary reforms. If the implementation continues at the same pace, I have every confidence Croatia will be on track to conclude accession negotiations by the end of this year.”
In the last meeting of the EU-Croatia Joint Parliamentary Committee one of the most important issues discussed was Croatia’s cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the opening of Chapter 23 ’Judiciary and Fundamental Rights’. The Committee unanimously welcomed the establishment of a Croatian inter-agency Task Force to better coordinate the country’s efforts and reporting to the ICTY.
”Croatian activities within the Task Force have been largely positive. Now that all Member States have given a green light for the start of discussions on the reform of the judiciary, I hope Croatia will open all negotiating chapters for EU membership, and close as many as possible, by the end of the Spanish Presidency,” concluded Gunnar Hökmark.