News Feature
Czechs insist: Croatia can still join EU despite Lisbon Treaty issues
23 July 2008
The Czech prime minister, Mirek Topolanek, has dismissed claims by the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, that Croatia will not be able to join the European Union (EU) until issues surrounding the Lisbon Treaty are resolved.
Mr Toplanek told balkaninsight.com that it may be possible to expand the current Nice Treaty to accept new members.
He also accused France of using its presidency, which the Czech Republic takes over on January 1st 2009, to rescue the pact.
"It is - I don't want to say blackmail - but very strong pressure," Mr Topolanek added.
Stjepan Mesic, the Croatian president, recently claimed in an interview with French publication Le Figaro he expects the EU to resolve the issues surrounding the Lisbon Treaty.
He added the current situation will not discourage Croatia in its attempts to become the 28th member of the bloc, EUobserver.com reported.
Instead, he said, the country will "speed up the rhythm" of reforms and be ready to join the EU in 2009.
Croatian Villas offering villas, apartments and waterside properties from the people who really know Croatia.
Category: Other destinations
Latest News
