De Graaf informed President Josipovic of the situation concerning ratification in the Dutch parliament of Croatia's Treaty of Accession to the European Union, stating that the process of ratification in the Lower House has been finalised. He expressed his firm belief that the final ratification phase in the Senate would be conducted without any difficulties and that on 1 July, the Netherlands would welcome Croatia to the EU as an equal partner and friend.

President Josipovic thanked the Netherlands for its continual support to Croatia during the accession process as well as its political support for Croatia's efforts to become a full member of the Union.

The two interlocutors exchanged their opinions on the situation in the region and expressed their support for EU enlargement to neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic too received de Graaf, who said that he was pleased to visit Croatia at such a key moment for the country, ahead of acceding to the EU, the government said in a press release.

De Graaf confirmed that the Senate had already begun its part of the parliamentary procedure to ratify Croatia's accession treaty without waiting for the European Commission's monitoring report scheduled for March 21.

The House of Representatives in the Dutch parliament on 5 February confirmed the treaty with a convincing majority.

De Graaf emphasised that there would be no barriers in the Dutch parliament to complete the ratification process, the press release says.

Talks during the meeting focused on the economic crisis that has impacted all EU member countries. Milanovic pointed out in particular the problems related to industrialisation and shipbuilding, saying that the government is undertaking several measures to salvage Croatia's shipyards.

He added that Croatia would continue to work on improving the situation of ethnic minorities in Croatia.