​European Commission adopts 2024 enlargement reports

On the occasion of the adoption of the European Commission's enlargement reports, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs expresses strong support for the continuation of a credible EU enlargement process guided by principles of an individualized approach, individual achievements, and fair conditionality.
 
The credibility of the enlargement process relies on clear results in key areas such as rule of law, judicial reform, combating corruption and organized crime, security, fundamental rights, democratic institutions, public administration reform, as well as economic development and competitiveness. Meaningful regional cooperation and the development and maintenance of good neighbourly relations also remain essential components throughout the process, as does alignment with EU values, standards, foreign, and security policy. Addressing outstanding issues prior to EU membership will strengthen the future enlargement of the EU.
 
The enlargement process is an investment in Europe’s peace, security, and stability, providing a stronger path toward prosperity in both Southeast Europe and the continent as a whole, making it a strategic interest for the EU.
 
The report provides a detailed overview of the current state of reform processes in each country, acting as a roadmap for the upcoming period. It highlights areas of reform where candidates and potential candidates for EU membership need to consolidate progress and focus their efforts. We welcome the progress made since the publication of the last report and encourage all candidates and potential candidates to continue with reforms. Croatia will continue to provide them with assistance and support in this process.
 
Croatia believes that progress in European and Euro-Atlantic integration is the only correct and viable path for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It strongly advocates for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s advancement on the European path and supports accelerating the process based on the implementation of outlined steps. Bosnia and Herzegovina has shown that political capacity exists within the country to achieve significant results through dialogue and compromise, enabling the decision to open EU membership negotiations in March of this year. Croatia calls upon and encourages legitimate political representatives to persist in their efforts and tirelessly seek ways to establish fair and systematic relations among the constituent peoples based on equality, and to find solutions that enable all citizens to fully exercise their rights, believing that such political stability will foster further sustainable and transformative effects from European reforms.
 
Croatia strongly supports Ukraine’s European path and commends its commitment to reform efforts despite the extremely difficult wartime conditions. Croatia will continue supporting Ukraine’s EU accession in line with the Joint Declaration on Ukraine’s European Perspective, signed in Kyiv on December 8, 2021.

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