Croatia: Commission has adopted the Monitoring Report on accession preparations

The European Commission has adopted its Monitoring Report on Croatia’s accession preparations today. This is a part of the regular 6-monthly monitoring as foreseen by the Accession Treaty.

The Monitoring Report assesses the progress made by Croatia in its preparations for accession to the European Union. It covers the period between the 1st September 2011 and 29th February 2012, provides an overall assessment of the level of preparedness for membership, and highlights the areas where further efforts are necessary in order for Croatia to be fully ready for membership on 1 July 2013.

Croatia has reached a considerable degree of alignment with the acquis. In most areas of the acquis,preparations for membership are well advanced. Nevertheless, the Commission has identified a limited number of issues requiring further efforts.

“The report shows that Croatia is on track. I am convinced that Zagreb will take all the final steps necessary to ensure that the country is fully prepared for membership,” Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle said after the adoption of the report. “We want Croatia to be a success story for EU enlargement and we will continue closely monitoring its progress up to the date of accession. Although in the final stage before entry into the European Union, Croatia’s hard work in credibly preparing for membership did not end with the signature of the Accession Treaty last December. It continues right up until the date of entry in July 2013. This is a joint endeavour, important both for the Union and for Croatia,” he added.

The Commission will continue monitoring Croatia’s accession preparations with all available instruments, including the regular meetings under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. The Commission will present the next, more  comprehensive Monitoring Report to the European Parliament and the Council in autumn 2012.

Monitoring Report: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/fule/docs/news/20120424_report_final.pdf