Minister Gordan Jandroković received Czech Senate Chairman Premysl Sobotka

The collocutors expressed satisfaction with the two countries’ bilateral relations, describing them as excellent and devoid of outstanding issues. Minister Jandroković thanked Senate Chairman Sobotka for the Czech Republic’s support for Croatia’s NATO and EU accession. He also welcomed the recent ratification of the Lisbon Treaty by the Czech Senate.

Speaking about the current state of the negotiations, Minister Jandroković said that Croatia is intensively fulfilling the remaining obligations in order to complete the technical part of the negotiations by end-2009, in accordance with the Road Map, adding that Croatia has so far opened 22 chapters, 7 of which have been temporarily closed.

In light of the efforts Croatia has put forth in conducting the necessary reforms and harmonizing its legislature, as well as the achievements it has realized, Minister Jandroković expressed dissatisfaction with Slovenia’s veto, due to which Croatia was unable to open and close during the Czech presidency a large number of the prepared chapters, although it has met all of its obligations.

Minister Jandroković informed Senate Chairman Sobotka that Croatia has accepted the final proposal by Commissioner Rehn on the solution to the border issue with Slovenia. He pointed out that Croatia expects a momentary lifting of the veto, as well as the continuation of the accession negotiations. Conclusively, Minister Jandroković reiterated that Croatia remains adamant in its position that the solution must be reached in accordance with the international law and in an international legal procedure.

The collocutors also talked about the current situation in South Eastern Europe, concluding that its stability hangs upon the continuation of the enlargement process and providing all of the region’s countries a clear European perspective.