News Feature

EU commissioner 'talks up Croatia's accession prospects'

18 September 2008

Croatia's prospects of joining the European Union (EU) next year have been talked up by the body's commissioner for enlargement.

Speaking in Prague after talks with officials from the Czech Republic - which takes over the EU presidency on January 1st - Oli Rehn said 2009 will be "the year of western Balkans and eastern partnership".

He commented that the "trickiest chapters" in accession negotiations are likely to be held in the first half of the year.

Alexandr Vondra, the Czech vice-premier for European Affairs, reiterated his desire for talks to finish by the end of 2009.

Mr Rehn added enlargement should not be linked to the passing of the Lisbon Treaty.

He continued: "We have plenty of time to conclude the reform and make the European Union more effective before the next, 28th member state of the union will join our family."

The EU commissioner's comments follow those of EC president Jose Manuel Barroso, who praised Croatia for its progress on negotiations so far.

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