Minister Jandroković headed Croatian delegation at Intergovernmental Conference on Croatia’s EU Accession in Brussels

In his media statement, Minister Jandroković expressed satisfaction with today’s closing of two chapters in Croatia’s negotiations process: Chapter 3 – Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services, and Chapter 19 – Social Policy and Employment

In his media statement, Minister Jandroković expressed satisfaction with today’s closing of two chapters in Croatia’s negotiations process: Chapter 3 – Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services, and Chapter 19 – Social Policy and Employment. He described it as an important turning point, as now more than half of the negotiation chapters have been temporarily closed: 17 of them.

Croatia is satisfied with the results it achieved in 2009, not only because of the 28 opened and 17 closed chapters, but also because the EU has recognized Croatia’s achievements and reached several important decisions. In that regard, Minister Jandroković said that Croatia was encouraged by the most positive European Commission’s Progress Report so far, while the conclusions of the EU Council are further proof that we are nearing the completion of the negotiations. We welcome the setting up of the EU Working Group to draw up the Accession Treaty with Croatia, as well as the drafting and approval of the financial package for Croatia, said the minister. Describing all that as a clear sign that Croatia’s accession negotiations have entered their final phase, the minister expressed conviction in their completion during 2010.

Minister Jandroković pointed out that Croatia is dedicated to the efficient and thorough implementation of the required reforms, with a special emphasis on the key areas such as the reform of justice and public administration, combating corruption, the reform of agriculture and other specific departments, and an overall strengthening of administrative capacities. Attention will also be paid, said the minister, to the management of the EU funds, while means for the implementation of said reforms have already been allocated in the 2010 budget.

Minister Jandroković thanked Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and the Swedish EU presidency, during which six chapters have been opened and 10 closed. He also thanked Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn for the support and advice during his mandate, whishing him success in his new post. Minister Jandroković concluded that Croatia would continue to count on the support from the EU members and the European Commission.

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