Brussels, 09/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - Ahead of the European summit on Friday 9 December, Croatia along with the 27 member states signed its treaty of accession to the European Union. One after the other the member states and Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor and President Ivo Josipovic initialled the treaty, bringing to an end six years of accession talks. French President Nicolas Sarkozy could not attend the ceremony and was replaced by his European Affairs Minister Jean Léonetti. He was present, however, for the family photograph.
“Today is a historic day for Croatia - and for the European Union”, said European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. He warmly welcomed Croatians into the European family. “The destiny of the EU is yours too”, added European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek.
Josipovic said that this “historic” event was equalled only by Croatia's declaration of independence 20 years ago. “More unity and more Europe, nothing less than that is needed for the EU and for Croatia. The process of mutual enrichment has begun”¸ he added. “Reform was worthwhile. The EU is a fully-fledged economic and political entity. It is the only guarantor of prosperity and peace in Europe”, said Kosor.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that “the determination of our Croatian friend is an example for the EU as a whole”. Talking to press after the Council, German Chancellor Angela Merkel described the signing of Croatia's accession treaty as “something very beautiful because it proves once again that the idea of a European Union has not lost its power to attract. Quite the opposite, in fact!” She said that it was “a sign that every effort expended for Europe and for the euro was worthwhile”.
Commission President José Manuel Barros said that the signing of the treaty was important not just for Croatia. It was “a signal that our European offer is on the table; that hard work pays off; that the benefits of European integration are within reach if our partners stay the course”.
Van Rompuy reminded Croatia that it was “not yet the end of the road”. “Reforms will have to continue. The European Commission will closely monitor Croatia's fulfilment of all its commitments, and we all expect Croatia to perform well”, he warned.
In the Council conclusions, the heads of state and government said that the signing of the treaty “marks an important moment for European integration”. “Pending the successful conclusion of ratification procedures, the European Council looks forward to welcoming Croatia as a new member”, they added. Kosor attended the Council for the first time, as an observer.
Croatia will become the 28th member of the EU on 1 July 2013, once accession has been approved by the Croatian people in a referendum and ratified by the other member states. (CG with AN/transl.rt)