By Martin Banks - 4th November 2009
We are entering the final phase of the accession process
Vladimir Drobnjak
Croatia's chief negotiator for EU accession said in parliament his country will continue to pursue "vigorous reforms" necessary to meet accession criteria.
The comments, by Vladimir Drobnjak, come just hours after Croatia and Slovenia signed an "arbitration agreement" that could pave the way for a final resolution of a border dispute between the two countries.
It is hoped the deal, signed in Stockholm, will allow international arbitrators to resolve the long-running debate over territory.
The agreement means Slovenia will no longer block Croatia's bid. Croatia hopes to become the 28th EU member by 2011.
Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Drobnjak said the agreement "marks a significant step forward in our endeavours to find a solution that shall be a winning one - win for Croatia, win for Slovenia and win for the entire Europe."
"There is still important work in front of us, starting with the ratification procedure of the agreement but I can say that we have every reason to be optimistic."
He told the foreign affairs committee that Croatia had, to date, opened 28 negotiating chapters and, of these, 12 have been closed, he said.
"This has been made possible not only because of our hard work but also due to a bilateral understanding that has been reached between Croatia and Slovenia, based on a renewed dialogue in the spirit of good neighbourly relations."
He said that of the remaining five chapters still to be opened, three (fisheries, environment and foreign affairs) "can be opened at the earliest possible occasion."
"We are confident that once this is done they can be closed in a short period of time."
"It is our goal to invest all necessary efforts to close as many additional chapters as possible by the end of the year. Croatia has fully completed the work in additional four chapters and another five are to follow shortly.
"All through the year, Croatia has continued to vigorously pursue the internal reforms needed to meet the conditions for EU membership.
"We know what is expected from us and what has to be done."
"All in all, this good news clearly indicates we are entering the final phase of the accession process."
Committee chairman Gabriele Albertini, a centre right Italian deputy, told the meeting that his appearance in parliament came at a "very positive phase in Croatia's accession talks."
