ZAGREB/BRUSSELS, July 19 (Hina) - The European Commission on Wednesday at its regular session adopted a proposal to the European Union's Council of Ministers to open negotiations with Croatia on an agreement on stabilisation and
association. A statement released from EU's headquarters said the EC decision represented an important step forward in the development of EU-Croatia bilateral relations following the election earlier this year of a new political leadership in Croatia which advocates radical political and economic reforms. The EC is hopeful the negotiations with Croatia on stabilisation and association can commence before a summit of the EU and western Balkans countries, planned for this autumn in Zagreb. The EU Council of Ministers next convenes in early September. EC's commissioner for external relations Chris Patten told today's session "this proposal is a great step forward in o
ZAGREB/BRUSSELS, July 19 (Hina) - The European Commission on
Wednesday at its regular session adopted a proposal to the European
Union's Council of Ministers to open negotiations with Croatia on
an agreement on stabilisation and association.
A statement released from EU's headquarters said the EC decision
represented an important step forward in the development of EU-
Croatia bilateral relations following the election earlier this
year of a new political leadership in Croatia which advocates
radical political and economic reforms.
The EC is hopeful the negotiations with Croatia on stabilisation
and association can commence before a summit of the EU and western
Balkans countries, planned for this autumn in Zagreb. The EU
Council of Ministers next convenes in early September.
EC's commissioner for external relations Chris Patten told today's
session "this proposal is a great step forward in our efforts to
stabilise the region. It is a tribute to the courageous steps taken
by the new Croatian government in the short time it has been in
office. The EU is determined to support Croatia."
"The dramatic improvement in our relations with Croatia since its
new leaders were elected also sends a powerful signal to the people
of Serbia. Europe stands ready to welcome Serbia as soon as the
present Serbian regime is replaced by leaders committed, like
Croatia's, to democracy, the rule of law, and economic and
political reform," said Patten.
To date, the EU has commenced negotiations on the Stabilisation and
Association Agreement only with Macedonia.
The EC statement says the Agreement will provide for a wide-ranging
partnership which will help Croatia come closer to EU structures,
including provisions for political dialogue, incentives for
enhanced regional cooperation, the creation of a free trade area
with the EU after a transitional period, provisions on the movement
of workers, freedom of establishment, supply of services, movement
of capital and liberalisation of road transit traffic, and
comprehensive cooperation in all fields of EU interest, including
justice and internal affairs.
"Croatia will be expected to meet a wide range of obligations, for
example the progressive harmonisation of its legislation with that
of the EC, in particular in key areas of the internal market. This
will be an important process which will require serious commitment
and effort," says the EC statement.
The EU committed to financially assist Croatia to help it meet the
objectives of the agreement.
The EC on May 24 adopted a positive report on the feasibility of
negotiations with Croatia. The EU Council of Ministers followed
suit on June 13, applauding EC's intention to propose the opening of
the negotiating process.
(hina) ha