"If Croatia succeeds in the reforms, it will be able to become a member by the end of this decade. I am personally looking forward to Croatia's entry into the EU," said Rehn, who arrived in Zagreb for a summit meeting of the South East European Co-operation Process (SEECP) at the end of Croatia's one-year chairmanship over this regional initiative. Rehn met Pusic who is a vice-president of the European Liberal, Democratic and Liberal Party whose member he is.
"The key is not in Brussels but in reforms here. The reform of the judiciary is important because it is a foundation for functioning of the entire society, a foundation for the civil liberties, economic growth and a foundation for the creation of favourable conditions for the work of citizens and companies, Rehn told reporters.
Technical negotiation between Croatia and the EU are in the full swing, he said adding that he expected the opening of a few more policy chapters during the German presidency over the EU (which ends on 30 June this year).
Explaining why he met the HNS leader Pusic, he said that in his capacity as the EU Enlargement Commissioner he had to cooperate with the government as well as with Opposition parties so as to ensure a broad consensus on the accession to the EU.
Vesna Pusic said that they had discussed issues concerning the party and added that as the EU Enlargement, Rehn had a significant impact on the European enlargement policy.
With his balanced, critical and well-intentioned approach towards Croatia as well as towards the entire region, he showed what is the point of entering the EU, namely that it is enhancing the quality of life and institutions in one's own country, the HNS chief said.