EU accession

European Council's conclusion on Croatia

24.06.2011 u 21:17

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The European Union's leaders on Friday welcomed the completion of Croatia's accession negotiations by the end of June and the signing of its accession treaty by the end of this year.

"The European Council commends Croatia for its intensive efforts, which have allowed accession negotiations to reach their final stage. The ongoing examination of the remaining negotiating chapters by the Council is being conducted in full respect of strict conditionality and in line with the negotiating framework. In the light of the progress made and the Commission's positive assessment, the European Council invited the Council to take all necessary decisions for the conclusion of the accession negotiations with Croatia by the end of June 2011 on the basis of the draft common positions recently presented by the Commission, with a view to the signing of the Accession Treaty before the end of the year. Croatia should continue its reform efforts with the same vigour, in particular as regards the judiciary and fundamental rights, so as to be able to assume fully the obligations of membership from the date of accession. Monitoring up to accession of these reform efforts will give the necessary assurance to Croatia and current Member States. The Council, acting by qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, may take all appropriate measures," reads the conclusion on Croatia adopted by the European Council at its summit in Brussels on 23-24 June.