Toespraak Van Rompuy na zijn ontmoeting met Kroatische president Ivo Josipovic

EUROPEAN COUNCIL THE PRESIDT

Brussels, 30 May 2012 EUCO PRESSE 234 PR PCE 90

Remarks by President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy i following his meeting with Ivo Josipovic, President of the Republic of Croatia

I am very pleased to meet President Josipovic again, the President of a country which will soon be part of the EU family

Last time when we met a year ago, accession negotiations with Croatia were still ongoing. Since then, there has been rapid progress: the accession negotiations were concluded, the Accession Treaty signed, and in a successful referendum, the Croatian people expressed their clear support for their country to join the Union

We now all look forward to Croatia becoming the 28th EU Member State on 1 July 2013. Eight Member States have already ratified the Accession Treaty and I encourage others to follow suit in good time, so that Croatia can join the EU in the time schedule we have agreed together

We expect Croatia to actively continue its preparations for EU membership. Overall, Croatia's preparations are on track and I trust that Croatia will step up its efforts in consolidating its track record in those areas which still require further work before accession, in particular on judiciary and fundamental rights; justice, freedom and security; and competition policy

At today's meeting, we also discussed recent developments in the Western Balkans. We have both congratulated President-elect Nikolic in Serbia who will be sworn in tomorrow. We underline the importance of continuing the good work in promoting regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations and reconciliation.

In this context, I would like to praise President Josipovic's role in reaching out to neighbouring countries, building trust and supporting European integration. I hope President Josipovic will carry this work forward, thereby rendering a great service to Croatia, the region and the EU

Let me be clear: there is no doubt about the EU's commitment to the European perspective of the whole Western Balkans. Croatia's accession to the EU, the second former Yugoslav Republic to join the EU, will be a great success story and serve as a catalyst for the rest of the region

It is now important that all leaders in the region continue on the path of reforms to bring their countries closer to the EU. There are still important challenges to be addressed, but these can be overcome with strong political will and hard work. The EU will give its utmost support to these efforts for the benefit of peace and stability in the region and in Europe

EUCO