"Our common target is for Croatia to end EU negotiations this June", said Bernd Posselt MEP, EPP Group Spokesman on Croatia, after the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament adopted its position on this - as Posselt stated - "extremely well prepared candidate country. There should be no discount for Croatia's EU membership, but also no artifical obstacle."

"We have supported the goal of the Croatian Government and the expressed intention of the Hungarian EU Presidency to swiftly conclude the Croatian negotiating process in the first half of this year", elaborated Posselt. "Then we have a real chance for Croatian EU membership in 2012, if the European Parliament gives its green light by a final decision this autum, and if the national parliaments do their work quickly during the ratification process."

The Foreign Affairs Committee Report, which will be voted in the Strasbourg Plenary in February, commends Croatia for the substantial progress achieved in meeting the benchmarks necessary for the conclusion of the accession negotiations.

Posselt noted the firm willingness of Croatia to tackle the remaining issues. "The Croatian Government has been taking a strong stance against all forms of corruption and has been extremely successful with the reforms of the judicial system." He underlined that the Report asks for fair trials: "No accused person should have a bonus, but also not a malus. Everybody is to be regarded not guilty until an independent court has judged."

The EPP Group Rapporteur praised the political and economic stability of the country: "Croatia is also leading in the reconciliation process among the peoples of South Eastern Europe, and protects its minorities in a very good way."

In conclusion, Posselt recalled the crucial role a timely Croatian accession will play for the EU aspirations of other countries in the region. "Croatian EU membership will reinforce the European perspective of its neighbouring countries in South Eastern Europe."

For further information:
Bernd POSSELT MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845232
Lada Jurica, EPP Group Press & Communications Service, Tel: +32-476-330383
Lasse Böhm, EPP Group Press & Communications Service, Tel: +32-484-656897

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.