However, everything does not depend on Croatia. It should continue implementing reforms, because the question is whether the EU will be ready by then, Lipponen told reporters after meeting Croatian Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks.
Lipponen said that there were indications that member states might reach an agreement on the European Constitution during the German presidency, in which case it would be presented at the next EU summit, due to take place in June.
That largely depends on some member states, notably France, where elections are due this year. However, on the technical level, a solution to the problem is in sight, the Finnish official said.
The existing constitutional framework will most probably be kept, with certain amendments to meet the wishes and needs of French and Dutch voters, he added.
In this context, Seks expressed hope that solutions would be found that would not hamper or stop Croatia's to European Union membership.
On the subject of bilateral relations, the two parliament speakers agreed that relations between Finland and Croatia were very good, but that the two countries should improve their economic cooperation.
Seks thanked Finland for its constant support to Croatia in developing overall bilateral relations and on its path to the European Union.