Speaking to the press after a meeting at the Council of Europe, Sanader said he expected the screening of Croatia's legislation to be completed by October 18 as well as the separation of Croatia's and Turkey's negotiations with the EU.
The EU opened talks with the two countries simultaneously in October 2005, holding negotiations on 35 chapters to establish the adjustment of their legal standards to the Union's acquis communautaire.
Sanader held talks with the president of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly, Rene van der Linden, before addressing a plenary session on the tenth anniversary of Croatia's admission to the CoE.
Sanader told the press Croatia would contribute to the strengthening of the CoE's role and activities in the development of democracy, protection of human and minority rights, and other issues within its jurisdiction.
Van der Linden said Croatia had made great headway over the past decade and that it could serve as the best example to the region. He voiced confidence that Croatia would soon join the European Union.
He also said there was no reason for the Union's members to say no to Croatia given that in many aspects it was better than some member states.
Van der Linden advocated EU enlargement, saying the Union could not say to membership candidates they had not met all the terms or carried out the necessary reforms when this had not been done in many parts within the EU, for example the adoption of a European constitution.
Sanader said he expected the Union to find a solution to the constitution by the time Croatia wrapped up its entry negotiations.