Yves Leterme backs Croatia’s accession to the European Union
Negotiations between Croatia and the European Union have entered their final stage, the Belgian Presidency will play a decisive role in proceedings...
Following his meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, Yves Leterme underlined Belgium’s “strong support for the idea of integrating the Balkan states, in particular Croatia, into Europe”. He added that Croatia’s accession in the near future “would undoubtedly send an encouraging message to neighbouring countries”.
The Prime Minister observed that negotiations between Croatia and the European Union had now entered their final stage, meaning the Belgian Presidency will play a decisive role in proceedings. Prime Minister Leterme was also keen to congratulate Ms Kosor on the determination she had shown since her appointment less than a year ago in implementing the reforms needed for Croatia’s accession to the EU and in dealing with the economic crisis which has hit the country so hard.
At a meeting with President Ivo Josipovic, Yves Leterme noted that the new President shared the same commitment to Europe as his predecessor Stipe Mesic. The Prime Minister assured the President of his full support, not only for Croatia’s European plans but also for Mr Josipovic’s pledge to focus on regional cooperation efforts during his term in office.
