The leader of the strongest opposition party said on Monday afternoon that he expected the talks to start in the near future.
Racan, who chairs the national committee in charge of monitoring Croatia's EU membership talks, said that the most difficult stage would now ensue in light of the fact that the negotiations "must be effective and as fast as possible", and that negotiators should also demonstrate skill in protecting Croatian national interests.
He announced that he would soon convene a session of the national committee in charge of monitoring accession talks.