Buzek over Kroatische toetreding (en) - Hoofdinhoud
Commenting on the vote of consent and report on Croatia's EU accession, the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, stated:
"Today is a good day for Croatia and the EU. The European Parliament has thrown its full weight behind Croatia's EU accession. We have given a clear sign of the extent to which the EU wants Croatia. Croatians will soon be able to show their support for the EU through a referendum. I look forward to the signing ceremony of the Accession Treaty of Croatia on the margins of the next European Council in December in Brussels.
I was in Croatia a month ago. I have seen how the prospect of EU membership has helped changing the country for the better. Reforms have been tough and even unpopular at times, but this change was not for the sake of EU membership alone, it was first and foremost in the interest of all Croatians.
From labour market to research, from trade to transport, Croatia is now a more modern and competitive country ready to face the challenges of the future - even during this difficult economic juncture. EU membership will help Croatia even further.
Croatia's achievements deserve unqualified recognition. Yet, we both need to continue tackling issues where we know that there is room for progress. A particular focus should be paid on continuing the fight against corruption and increasing the efficiency of the judiciary so as to better protect fundamental rights, improve the business environment and transparency in public administration.
During my visit, I have put a specific accent on the need to continue to pursue and foster regional reconciliation and good neighbourly relations: not only with Serbia, but also urging unity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this sense, I welcomed the pledge by the Croatian government not to use bilateral issues to slow down the pace of integration in neighbouring countries. The integration of the whole of South-East Europe in the EU family is in Croatia's interests.
We look forward to continue working with our Croatian counter-parts and deepen parliamentary cooperation even further. Once again: congratulations Croatia!"
Note to editors:
During the vote in the plenary the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament (Sabor) Mr Luka Bebic, and a delegation from the Sabor, were present to symbolically mark this vote and underline the strength of the cooperation between the Croatian and the European Parliament. Following, the vote Mr Bebic and President Buzek will meet for a meeting.
Recommendation on the draft Decision of the Council of the European Union on the admission of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union:
Report on the application of Croatia to become a member of the European Union:
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