Croatia's EU membership negotiations could be completed in H1, 2011
BRUSSELS. February 17. KAZINFORM /Dimash Syzdykov/ Croatia's EU membership negotiations could be completed in the first half of 2011 provided that the necessary reforms continue to be pursued resolutely.
This has been outlined in a resolution adopted by Parliament on Wednesday, February 16, during a plenary session in Strasbourg; the press service of the European Parliament reports.
The resolution notes that Croatia on its "substantial progress" in introducing the reforms needed to join the EU. The resolution notes the considerable improvements to the constitution and to the judiciary, as well as Croatia's closer co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). However, MEPs called the Croatian authorities to strengthen fight against corruption, support returning refugees as well as adopt a plan on restructuring shipyards.
MEPs are very concerned that the majority of Croatian citizens think Croatia's EU membership would not benefit the country, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey. They urge the Croatian authorities and civil society to mobilise and make citizens "feel the European project is theirs as well". Croatia will need to put EU membership proposals to a referendum.