Brussels, 24/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 24 April in its Monitoring Report on Croatia's accession preparations the European Commission stated that “Croatia is on track”. The Commission explained: “Croatia has reached a considerable degree of alignment with the acquis” but that there are “a limited number of issues requiring further efforts”.
The report covers the period between 1 September 2011 and 29 February 2012, and particularly focuses on the chapters on competition policy, justice and fundamental rights, freedom and security.
The Commission highlights the positive progress achieved by Croatia in the fight against cartels, including mergers and state aid. The Commission explains that the country must, however, make more progress in the privatisation of its shipyards.
There are many pending questions in terms of justice and fundamental rights. Croatia must continue to ensure the effective application of its judicial reform strategy and action plan, as well as reinforce the independence, accountability, impartiality and professionalism of its law courts, in addition to improving the efficiency of the legal system and the way in which domestic war crimes are tackled, including organised crime and corruption cases. The Commission also says that the country must improve its record on strengthening prevention measures for fighting corruption and conflicts of interest. The protection of minorities and human rights, the return of refugees and full co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia must also be continued and in certain cases must make further progress.
In the area of justice, freedom and security, there are still a number of questions with regard to visa policy, migration, asylum, external borders and integrated management of its own borders, Schengen, legal and police co-operation, as well as the fight against organised crime.
Overall, “10 chapters are almost finished, 14 have a good level of alignment, there are a limited number of pending questions and 6 require further effort”, explained a senior European official. The next report will be published in the autumn. (CG/transl.fl)