Brussels, 19/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk officially handed over the draft accession treaty to Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor in Zagreb on Saturday 17 September. “This major effort on the part of the Croatian people and your government will bear fruit in future. I say this as a Pole who, like all my fellow citizens, have been enjoying the benefits of a united Europe, of which we are part”, Tusk said. He stated that the desire to join the EU, when many politicians are casting doubt over its future, “is a huge burst of optimism, energy and strength for all those who continue to believe in the very meaning of Europe”. “Much remains to be done. We have to sign the treaty. But we have managed to complete the main points”, Kosor said. The 300-page draft accession treaty, which was approved by the EU member states on Wednesday 14 September, is the result of two years' work. Croatia is likely to become the 28th country of the European Union on 1 July 2013. (CG/transl.rt)