Verklaring voorzitter EU-Raad Van Rompuy na ontmoeting met premier van Kroatië (en)

EUROPEAN COUNCIL THE PRESIDT

Brussels, 30 January 2012

EUCO 13/12 PRESSE 26 PR PCE 10

Press statement by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy i

following the meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Zoran

Milanovic

Today, I had the opportunity to welcome the new Prime Minister of Croatia, Mr. Zoran Milanovic, to his first meeting in Brussels. Following the signing of the Accession Treaty on 9 December 2011, Croatia will participate in the daily work of the European Council and the Council as an active observer

I congratulated the Prime Minister on the successful outcome of the accession referendum and the Croatian citizens on their democratic decision to join the European Union

Furthermore, I encouraged Croatia to continue on the positive path of reforms in order to reap the benefits of economic and political integration. The areas of Judiciary and Fundamental Rights; Justice, Freedom and Security; and Competition Policy remain of key interest to the EU before accession

It is my hope that Croatia's success will inspire also neighbouring countries to progress with reforms in order to realise their European perspective. Croatia will continue to play an important role in fostering good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans

I look forward to a smooth ratification process by the Croatian Parliament as well as by all EU Member States, so that Croatia can become the Union's 28th member on 1 July 2013

Dirk De Backer - Spokesperson of the President - 8 +32 (0)2 281 9768 - +32 (0)497 59 99 19 Jesus Carmona - Deputy Spokesperson of the President - 8 +32 (0)2 281 9548 / 5150 - +32 (0)475 65 32 15 press.president@consilium.europa.eu http://www.consilium.europa.eu/