Croatia's road to the EU is fully open as far as the Czech Republic is concerned, regardless of the outcome of talks on the new prime minister. We will support Croatia on that road, Paroubek told the press after meeting Sanader, who earlier today received an award for the promotion of freedom, democracy and market economy, on which Paroubek congratulated him.
Croatia is a stabilising factor in the western Balkans and the first country in the region which should join the EU, said Paroubek.
He added that further enlargement would have to be gradual, depending on a country's readiness, and that the situation of 2004, when 10 countries joined the EU at the same time, including the Czech Republic, would no longer be possible.
Speaking of the possibility of Croatia joining in 2009, Paroubek said he would be very pleased if that happened when the Czech Republic would be the EU president.