Croatian delegation was led by Croatian Foreign Minister Miomir Žužul, while the Troika was represented by Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen on behalf of the Irish presidency, Secretary General and High Representative for EU Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, External Relations Commissioner Christopher Patten, and Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot, as the Netherlands are next to assume the presidency of the EU
The main topic of the meeting were the relations between the EU and Croatia, situation in the region, relations between Croatia and its neighbouring countries, and international issues. Minister Žužul expressed the readiness of the Croatian government to continue meeting the Copenhagen criteria, as well as the other political criteria for entering the EU. A report on the progress in the co-operation with the Hague was also presented, as well as the progress in the return of the refugees and their property, minority rights protection, justice reform, the development of good neighbourly relations and regional co-operation.
Minister Žužul pointed out the strategic importance of a timely European Commission’s opinion on Croatia’s membership application, submitted in February 2003, as well as the importance of European Commission’s reaching the political decision in June this year on Croatia’s status as a candidate country, and the consequent start of the membership negotiations.
The EU presidency informed the Croatian delegation about the discussions held 23 February at the General Affairs and External Relations Council of the EU regarding the situation in the Middle East and Iraq. Opinions about the European security strategy were exchanged as well.
The political dialogue between the EU and Croatia was set up 29 October 2001 by adopting the Joint Statement on political dialogue that enables the intensification of relations until the Stabilisation and Association Agreement comes into effect. The first political dialogue was held 30 October 2001 in Luxembourg, the second one 19 February 2002, the third one 24 February 2004 and the last one yesterday, 23 February 2004, all in Bruxelles.
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