"The government's wish is for Croatia's EU entry to coincide with the completion of constitutional and institutional reforms in the EU. If they are not completed, there exist legal possibilities for Croatia, once it completes its part of the job, to enter the EU. There are no doubts about that," Sanader said at the start of a government session.
He recalled his recent visit to Brussels and talks with members of the European Parliament, saying they fully supported Croatia's EU accession.
Sanader said the European parliamentarians wished for the EU to complete reforms by late 2008 or early 2009 so that Croatia could join in 2009, after it completed the accession negotiations.
"If we do a good job, the chances are good that Croatia will enter the EU in 2009," he said.
The PM went on to say that credit for Croatia's membership of the EU did not go only to the government but also to parliament, the president of the republic and all the forces in society.
"That's an expression of our political maturity. Despite the political match and rivalry among parties, there is a strong will of all political factors that Croatia complete the negotiations, that the EU complete debates on the constitution and reforms, and that after those processes we enter the EU to the benefit of Croatia's citizens and economy."
Sanader dismissed criticisms that the adjustment of Croatia's legislation to EU standards was late. "The Croatian government is keeping the pace," he said, adding that screening reports were yet to be submitted for some bills, that the European Commission was changing some directives, and that Croatia had consulted the EC about some chapters.
The government today sent to parliament five bills aimed at adjusting national legislation to the acquis communautaire.