PULA, May 7 (Hina) - Croatia can become a full-right member of the European Union by the end of 2006 and participate in the 2008 election for the European Parliament, Croatia's European Integration Minister Ivan Jakovcic said on
Monday. Speaking at a lecture marking the day the EU celebrates as the day of its foundation, in the northern Adriatic city of Pula, Jakovcic backed his estimate by reminding that 79.6 percent of the Croatian population aspired to membership in the EU. "The foreign policy and relations with the European Commission are this government's greatest achievement and confirmation of a deeper trust in Croatia in line with democratic standards," said the minister. He reminded a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU would be initialled on May 14, and then ratified in the Croatian and all EU member parliaments. Jakovcic maintains Croatia's legislation is more compatible with the one in
PULA, May 7 (Hina) - Croatia can become a full-right member of the
European Union by the end of 2006 and participate in the 2008
election for the European Parliament, Croatia's European
Integration Minister Ivan Jakovcic said on Monday.
Speaking at a lecture marking the day the EU celebrates as the day of
its foundation, in the northern Adriatic city of Pula, Jakovcic
backed his estimate by reminding that 79.6 percent of the Croatian
population aspired to membership in the EU.
"The foreign policy and relations with the European Commission are
this government's greatest achievement and confirmation of a
deeper trust in Croatia in line with democratic standards," said
the minister.
He reminded a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU
would be initialled on May 14, and then ratified in the Croatian and
all EU member parliaments.
Jakovcic maintains Croatia's legislation is more compatible with
the one in force in Europe than the legislation of other countries
preparing to join the Union.
With better economic results, Croatia will be able to wrap
negotiations on association in two-three years, while taking care
of its state interests, he said.
"Everything depends on us, do we want to join the EU and are we
capable of meeting this dynamic and demanding scenario, or shall we
miss the opportunity and wait for the next decade," asserted the
minister.
Jakovcic is confident Croatia meets all prerequisites to be the
leader in Southeast Europe. He called on all Croatian businessmen
and scientists to contribute to the realisation of Croatia's access
to the EU, stating its future development depended on this.
(hina) ha