Sun, Nov 08 2009

EU presidency cancels Croatia accession talks meeting

Wed, Jun 24 2009 14:08 CET byClive Leviev-Sawyer 1440 Views 4 Comments
EU presidency cancels Croatia accession talks meeting

European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, who has been attempting to broker a solution to the Croatia-Slovenia border dispute that is blocking progress in Croatia's EU membership aspirations.

In a blow to Croatia’s European Union accession hopes, the Czech Republic – current holder of the rotating presidency of the EU – announced on June 24 2009 that it was cancelling an intergovernmntal accession conference with Croatia that had been scheduled for June 26.

"Despite substantial efforts to facilitate a solution to the country´s border dispute with Slovenia, Croatia´s accession talks remain blocked and no new chapters can be formally opened or closed," the Czech EU presidency said.

"The border dispute remains a bilateral issue only Slovenia and Croatia can resolve. The presidency deeply regrets the fact that despite numerous attempts by the presidency and the European Commission to help find a way forward the negotiations have not progressed."

Agreement on technical level has been reached during the Czech EU presidency on provisionally closing Chapter 6 (Company Law) and Chapter 18 (Statistics) and opening Chapter 4 (Free Movement of Capital) and Chapter 16 (Taxation).

"In these chapters the border issue remains the only obstacle. The lack of formal progress in the negotiations with Croatia therefore does not match the actual progress achieved on ground by Croatia," the Czech statement said.

On June 23, European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, who has been attempting to broker a solution, told the two countries to resolve the dispute between themselves.

"After six months of work and discussion, I believe it is up to Croatia and Slovenia to find a solution," Rehn said.

"If Croatia’s EU accession negotiations are unblocked soon, I believe Croatia will soon be able to enter the final phase of the negotiations. I am sure the new Swedish presidency will support Croatia on its way to EU membership," he said.

Sweden takes over the presidency of the EU from July 1.

The dispute dates from 1991 and the secession of the two countries from the former Yugoslavia.

Croatia had hoped to complete accession talks before the end of 2009, putting it on the way to join the bloc in 2010.

Slovenia wants direct access to waters in the northern Adriatic and has said that it wanted the dispute resolved through EU mediation, while Croatia has said the best way to answer the question would be to refer it to the International Court of Justice.

Comments

Anonymous FuckSlovenia Fri, Jun 26 2009 07:24 CET

This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained .

Anonymous Lenard Wed, Jun 24 2009 19:45 CET
Inappropriate comment?

Same with Italy doesn't have enough coastline already. In the EU supposedly borders are imaginary. So Italy should give Slovenia its imaginary border area and access to the open Adriatic since they are in the same EU and espouse the European way. So long its not Italy and Slovenia's areas being given away and their fish stocks very pathetic country's. Italy and Slovenia takes in one year in Croatian waters in fish what it takes the Croatians ten years to do. Croatia's neighbors are nothing but hypocrites and users. Croatia should stay away from the EU and its hypocrisies and look after its on intresets.

Anonymous mario Wed, Jun 24 2009 17:38 CET
Inappropriate comment?

One of many examples. EU warned Croatia, no its bully' Titoist-style leaders in Croatia for Adriatic coast and fishing in Croatia's waters. Slovene and EU fishermen like to be able to go about their business unhindered in Croatian waters. What is sad about all this, is the fact that Italy and Slovenia, now a part of the EU gang, disallow Croatia from fishing in their waters, yet they create a storm if Croatia wishes to place the same regulations on their own waters. And open and clear intention to claim Croatian state territory, namely territory over which the Republic of Croatia has sovereign rights and jurisdiction. EU gang, disallow Croatia INA oil company from concession to drill for oil and gas in the Croatian territory of Adriatic. Slovenia and EU like to claim oil and gas territory of Adriatic for EU.

Anonymous mario Wed, Jun 24 2009 17:36 CET

This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained .

Anonymous LogicalThinker Wed, Jun 24 2009 16:38 CET
Inappropriate comment?

So by that way of thinking: if you have a personal house that is to big for you to occupy on your own, does that mean you are willing to give it up part of your home to somebody that doesn't have a home yet?

Anonymous Spela Wed, Jun 24 2009 15:51 CET

This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained .

Anonymous Frustrated Wed, Jun 24 2009 14:46 CET
Inappropriate comment?

As though Croatia doesn't have enough coastline already....

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