Vandoren said he hoped this was the last Progress Report he delivered to the Croatian authorities, and that Croatia would successfully conclude its EU accession negotiations within the desired time frame.

Bebic said he was pleased with the positively-worded report, saying that it acknowledged the efforts of the Croatian Parliament in adopting the legislative framework in accord with the EU's acquis communautaire.

"The Croatian Parliament is proud of its legislative activities in the present Parliament, which has passed about 260 laws to adjust Croatian legislation to the EU's," Bebic said.

With regard to Chapter 23 - Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, Vandoren and Bebic agreed that noticeable progress had been made with the setting of the legislative framework, adding that it should be implemented in an atmosphere of the impartiality and autonomy of courts.

Summing up the key points of the report, Vandoren said that it clearly noted the continuous progress of Croatia and stressed the need for the further implementation of necessary measures to meet the benchmarks and criteria for EU membership.

Croatia needs to continue implementing the necessary reforms with determination, ensure progress in the economic environment, and play a leading role in the region as a factor of political stability, Vandoren said, according to the press release.