Brussels, 07/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 7 March, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle welcomed the fact that a mutually acceptable solution had been found between Croatia and Slovenia on the issue of the Ljubljanska Banka (see EUROPE 10764). “I consider this to be a good deal for both countries and a good deal for enlargement”, Füle stated in a press release. He said that the agreement “is also a very good example of how joint efforts in the area of good neighbourly relations bring benefits for both sides and provide a basis to solve open issues”.
Hailing the commitment and resolve of the countries to find a solution, Füle said that he is now looking forward to the formal adoption of this agreement, which could take place on 11 March.
Füle reiterated that the European Commission is “confident” that all the member states will ratify Croatia's accession treaty before 1 July 2013 - the date planned for Zagreb to join the EU, thus making a discreet appeal to Ljubljana. This bank conflict is blocking Slovenia's ratification of Croatia's accession treaty. (CG/transl.fl)