News Feature

French presidency 'should lead to major EU progress for Croatia'

17 June 2008

Major progress in Croatia's bid to join the European Union (EU) is expected when France takes over the presidency in July, prime minister Ivo Sanader has stated.

His hopes have been boosted after a meeting with French senator Hubert Haenel, Associated French Press reports.

Mr Haenel said France "strongly supports Croatia's candidacy and expects that the talks will be concluded in line with the announced dynamics".

"Croatia is expecting important progress in EU talks during the French presidency," Mr Sanader said.

He added: "Such progress has been announced by French officials and Croatia is ready to continue necessary reforms," he added.

Croatia is hoping to become a member of the EU within the next two years, with the possibility of accession before the end of 2009.

Meanwhile, both Albania and Croatia are expected to be asked to fully join Nato during France's presidency, the BBC reports.

US President George Bush had wanted Macedonia to be invited into Nato and membership action plans for Georgia and Ukraine but these appear to have been put on hold.

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