I am sure that the membership negotiations with Croatia will very likely open in March, Juncker told a news conference after Monday's meeting between Luxembourg's presidency and the European Commission, according to the news agencies Reuters and Slovenia's STA.
At its summit on 17 December the European Council decided to set the start of the entry talks with Croatia on 17 March this year provided that Croatia was cooperating with the Hague-based UN war crimes tribunal.
Luxembourg's presidency, which is obliged to prepare a report on Croatia's cooperation with the tribunal, is now studying the key element of Croatia's readiness, Juncker said today.
He went on to say that the recent resignation of Croatia's Foreign Minister Miomir Zuzul would not affect the negotiating process.
I cannot see any direct consequences of the minister's resignation, Juncker was quoted by the STA as saying.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said that the commission shared the position of the EU presidency, adding that the enlargement of the Union was one of priorities of his team.