CROATIA DRAWING THE FINAL STRAIGHT LINE TOWARDS EU

Javno.hr
October 16, 2009 18:38h

The advances of Croatia are a clear indicator of the registered
progresses of general form for the entire set of Balkan countries

After four years of intense negotiations and deep reforms Croatia
approaches the final straight line in its way towards the European
Union. Brussels thinks that if the ancient Yugoslavian republic –
expires on time with the hanging criteria, the negotiations of
adherence might end next year. –

Community sources assume that Croatia might be the 28th member of the
Union by 2012. The commissioner responsible for the EU Enlargement,
Olli Rehn, showed yesterday that Iceland might join to the Union in the
same date as Croatia. The advances of Croatia are a clear indicator of
the registered progresses of general form for the entire set of Balkan
countries. In this sense, after candidate or applicant presented the
reports on the progress and hanging problems in every country to the
EU, Rehn added that – the strategy of enlargement is a test of our
to the European future of the Western Balkans and Turkey -.

– In these difficult times of economic crisis -, he added, – the
requests of commitment adherence of Albania and Montenegro indicate the
continuo of our Union and our role in the promotion of the stability,
the safety and the prosperity -. Croatia, with a population of 4,4
million inhabitants, has opened the negotiation of 28 of 35 chapters,
of which 13 already have been closed by the agreement.

Brussels emphasizes the progress in new legislation and the
administrative changes impelled by the Government of Zagreb especially
in – the judicial system and the struggle against the corruption
and the organized crime -, according to the report of the Commission
presented yesterday. Other advances are registered in the reduction
of hanging cases earlier in the courts of law, and the steps given
to solve the problems of the minorities, especially the gypsies.

The report point ess, that the Government of Zagreb will have to
intensify its reforms especially – to improve the independence and
efficiency of the judicial system – and – fight against the organized
crime and the corruption -. On the other hand, – the Iceland’s request
for adherence -, points out the commissioner, – adds a new dimension
to our agenda of enlargement -.

Iceland, one of the countries most struck by the recent financial
crisis, has showed its will to intensify its negotiations for a prompt
integration, which might coincide with that of Croatia. According to
Rehn, if both countries – are ready more or less at the same time,
and if the difference is a few months, then from the point of view of
the EU, it would be reasonable that both countries reach the closure
at the same time -.

The march of Turkey, which began the adherence negotiations on October
3, 2005, is equally valuable but much slower. The open opposition of
France and Germany and the ballast of the territorial conflict with
Cyprus would be the fundamental obstacles. Until now Turkey has opened
11 out of 33 negotiation chapters and has merely managed to close the
politically the easiest one, as the one of Science and Investigation.

Rehn praised the mutual normalization in Turkey and Armenia relations,
which – constituted a historical step and the EU welcomes it as a
contribution to the stability of the region -. Brussels also sees as
a positive gesture the opening of the public television channel in
Kurdish language.

Nevertheless, the report is very critical towards the existing
problems on the subject of domestic violence. The report mentions an
investigation according to which 39 % of the women say to have been a
victims of physical violence and 15 % of them having suffered sexual
abuses. Commissioner Rehn expressed his worry for the shortcomings
on the subject of freedom of expression, where – the intellectuals
keep on feeling bothered by his declarations