BELGIUM: European Union foreign ministers welcome the results of a referendum in Croatia where 66 percent voted in favour of joining the European Union next year

Record ID: 862374

  • Title: BELGIUM: European Union foreign ministers welcome the results of a referendum in Croatia where 66 percent voted in favour of joining the European Union next year
  • Date: 23rd January 2012
  • Summary: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (RECENT) (REUTERS) EU FLAGS OUTSIDE EUROPEAN COUNCIL
  • Embargoed: 7th February 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Belgium, Belgium
  • City:
  • Country: Belgium
  • Topics: International Relations,European Union,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA9RQKPJQ21AO93AHM7OROMP7BP
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  • Story Text: Croatia's accession to the European Union next year was hailed on Monday (January 23) by European Union foreign ministers as good news for Croatia and for Europe.
    Croatia voted on Sunday to join the European Union next year, shrugging off concerns over the economic turmoil in the bloc and fears that membership will compromise its hard-won sovereignty.
    Croatia is now set to become the European Union 28th member on July 1, 2013.
    Croatia foreign minister Vesna Pusic attended her first meeting of European Union foreign ministers -- albeit with an observer status until July.
    "For the first time there are 28 chairs around the table and 28 ministers around the table, I think this is a big step forward and we shall progress from here onwards," Pusic said.
    66 percent of voters approved EU's accession but turnout was low at 44 percent of eligible voters.
    This large majority was a "delight" for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.
    British foreign secretary William Hague hailed the political courage and determination of Croatia.
    "I think that is good news for Croatia and good news for Europe. It shows what can be achieved in South-Eastern Europe with political courage, with real determination," Hague said as he arrived for the meeting.
    German foreign affairs minister Guido Westerwelle said Croatia could serve as an example for other Western Balkan nations wanting to join the EU.
    "This also serves as an example for many other countries in the Western Balkans that if they pursue reforms, if they fulfil European standards - from the rule of law to the economic situation and financial responsibility -- that they can be with us," Westerwelle said.
    Many Croats hope accession will mark a clear break with the region's recent past of war and nationalism, and help its weak economy through EU funds and full access to the bloc's common market.
    The slow pace of reform in the rest of the western Balkans, and waning enthusiasm within the EU for further enlargement, mean other countries in Croatia's neighbourhood - such as Serbia, Bosnia and Albania - will wait years before they too can join. Tiny Montenegro on the Adriatic coast is next in line.
    Croatia will become the second former Yugoslav republic to join the EU, following Slovenia in 2004.
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