The completion of the accession talks in 2010 is a challenge for the Croatian government and the European Commission advocates that this be done as soon as possible, Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said in Brussels on Wednesday, underlining that full cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal is very important for progress in the EU entry negotiations.
Croatia is making progress in meeting membership criteria, Fuelle said at a plenary session of the Committee of the Regions, praising a constructive approach in the border dispute with Slovenia.
This positive outcome should be an example to all countries with bilateral disputes currently obstructing the enlargement process, the commissioner said.
Fuele said the EU firmly supported the European future of western Balkan countries, Turkey and Iceland.
He stressed, however, there are no shortcuts on the path to the European Union, adding that each country would join the bloc according to its own merits.
I appreciate ambitious objectives which countries of the region have set for themselves and the European Commission spears no effort in supporting their preparations. But let me be clear: we primarily want a quality accession process. There will be no shortcuts. The countries will enter the bloc when they are ready and according to their own merits, the commissioner said.
