Croatia has made great progress in implementing long-term economic, political and defence reforms, necessary for joining NATO, Scheffer told Croatia reporters on a one day visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels.
He, however, underlined a low support of Croatian public to NATO and the country's membership of the alliance.
We can explain NATO to the Croatian public, but it is up to the Croatian government to do that job, Scheffer said.
He once again called on the Croatian government to do all that it can to raise the public awareness.
The NATO chief said Croatia was still to complete the justice reform, the fight against corruption, the process of the return of refugees and depoliticisation of public service institutions.
The NATO secretary general hailed the arrest of Croatia general Ante Gotovina, Croatia's efforts invested in regional cooperation and the country's contribution to the US-Adriatic Charter.
Without hesitating, I can say that Croatia is a candidate for NATO membership, Scheffer said, adding that unlike the coming summit in Riga at which NATO transformation would be discussed, the one to be held in 2008 would focus on NATO enlargement.
He said that countries aspiring to join NATO can expect positive signal for membership at the summit in Riga.
Scheffer called on Croatia to increase its participation in NATO operations.