Brussels, 30/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - European Council President Herman Van Rompuy urged Croatia, on Monday 30 January, to “continue on the positive path of reforms in order to reap the benefits of economic and political integration”, he said after his meeting with new Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic. “The areas of judiciary and fundamental rights; justice, freedom and security; and competition policy remain of key interest to the EU before accession”, he added.
Van Rompuy said he hoped that Croatia's success would “inspire” neighbouring countries to make progress with their reforms “in order to realise their European perspective”. “It is my hope that Croatia will continue to play an important role in fostering good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans”, he went on to say.
Congratulating Prime Minister Milanovic on the “successful outcome” of the referendum, in which 67% of those voting supported accession to the EU, Van Rompuy said he looked forward to a “smooth ratification process” by the Croatian Parliament as well as by all EU member states so that Croatia can become the Union's 28th member on 1 July 2013. (CG/transl.rt)