Hongaars voorzitterschap wil snelle afronding toetredingsproces Kroatië (en)

Any delay in Croatia’s EU accession would be risky, declared Minister of State for EU Affairs, Eniko Gyori in Dubrovnik on 16 May 2011. She asked Zagreb for further efforts to meet accession criteria and the Commission for evaluating the last Croatian documents, at its earliest convenience.

Eniko Gyori presented the position of the EU Presidency at the 13th meeting of the EU-Croatia Joint Parliamentary Committee. She quoted Foreign Minister János Martonyi, who declared at the European Parliament’s (EP) plenary session in February that, “The conclusion of the accession talks seems to be at hand.” The Minister of State confirmed that Croatia’s performance is worthy of recognition and that there is a chance to close the accession talks in June, with the support of all parties concerned.

The Hungarian Presidency takes the view that, “A quick completion of the negotiations” is necessary; and this could make the Croatian people’s support for EU accession, return to its previous level, Ms Gyori explained. The Minister of State said the results of the latest Croatian poll, has raised some concerns.

“The moment is historic and the momentum is not to lose. We are entering a crucial phase. Unrelenting further efforts are needed from all involved, Croatia in the first place. (…) every minute would be too precious to lose and every delay would be risky,” the Minister of State warned.

At the same time, Ms Gyori expressed the Presidency’s hopes, “That the Commission will evaluate quickly, the final reports on the remaining benchmarks provided by Croatia; and we hope that no technical problems will slow down the process.” The Minister of State appreciated the Commission and particularly Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle, “For their dedication, with which they have promoted this cause, and for the work they have intensified; especially in the more recent months and weeks.”

Ms Gyori highlighted that, “A number of difficult chapters still remain to be closed, namely Competition, Fisheries, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, and Financial and Budgetary Provisions. These are difficult and complex,” but expressed hope that “Croatia will be able to complete the process on time successfully.”

The Minister of State encouraged “Croatia to further improve track records, in the field of judiciary reform and the fight against corruption; to address impunity for war crimes, and to settle the outstanding refugee return issues”. “Full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), still remains essential”, she added.

Ms Gyori welcomed Croatia’s improved neighbourhood relations and underlined that its accession is also important in regional terms, as Zagreb’s example would act as a strong encouragement to the countries of the Western Balkans to continue much-needed reforms.

In her speech, the Minister of State mentioned her appreciation for the engagement of the European Parliament in the enlargement process, and its support to Croatia’s accession process in particular.

“It is my conviction that with the accession of Croatia, we would send a clear message to other aspirant countries of the European perspective - based on conditionality and commitment - is tangible. With the integration of Croatia (…), the EU is making a strategic move towards integrating the Western Balkans”, said Ms Gyori.

The EU-Croatia JPC, is composed of an equal number of Members of the EP and of the Croatian Parliament (Sabor). It meets twice a year, once in Croatia and once in one of the workplaces of the EP. According to current practice, the representatives of the Government of Croatia, the EU Presidency in Office and the Commission, are invited to address the JPC, during the set meetings.