European Commission (EC) yesterday officially recommended Croatia for accession to the European Union (EU) and that Croatia will become the 28th member of the EU on July 1, 2013. EC President Jose Barroso said that Croatia has made enough improvements in their final four chapters Competition, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, Financial and Budgetary Provisions and Other Issues, to allow closure of the chapters and ultimate accession. He also added that this is important step forward by Croatia towards membership and it will also be a signal to the rest of South Eastern Europe and credible enlargement policy remains our most important tool for strengthening mutual stability and prosperity in South Eastern Europe. Jadranka Kosor Croatia’s Prime Minister expressed her delight at the announcement.

Croatia to join European Union in 2013