One benchmark has been set for each chapter and they have to be met before negotiations can start.
Under the social policy and employment chapter, Croatia is required to adopt the remaining part of the EU's acquis communautaire, while under the justice, freedom and security chapter it will have to prepare an action plan regarding integrated border management.
The EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER), which comprises ambassadors of member states, has approved reports on screening for seven chapters.
Benchmarks have been introduced for four chapters - public procurement, market competition, social policy and employment, and justice, freedom and security. No benchmarks were set for chapters on science and research, education and culture, and the customs union.
Negotiations on the science and research chapter started last month and were temporarily closed on the same day.