The European Council met on 23 and 24 of June and decided to invite the Council to take all necessary decisions for the conclusion of the accession negotiations with Croatia by the end of June 2011. Therefore, the signature of the Accession Treaty with this country is foreseen to be done before the end of the year. With this decision, Croatia will become the 28th Member State of the European Union.

This decision from the European Council is based on the positive evaluation from the European Commission released in the beginning of June. The Commission recommended to close down the four remaining chapters. In the light of the progress made and the Commission's positive assessment, the European Council invited the Council to take all necessary decisions for the conclusion of the accession negotiations with Croatia by the end of June 2011, with a view to the signing of the Accession Treaty before the end of the year.

Herman Van Rompuy, the President of the Council congratulated the Croatian Prime Minister, Ms Kosor for the efforts made so far which have allowed accession negotiations to reach their final stage. Mr Van Rompuy also added that Croatia's achievement serves as an inspiring example for the other countries of the Western Balkans. Croatia demonstrates that with political will, a strong national consensus and dedicated work, it is possible to overcome the shadows of the past and to move towards membership of the European Union.

Although Croatia is very close to become a European country, the European Council underlined that this country should continue its reform efforts with the same vigour, in particular as regards the judiciary and fundamental rights, so as to be able to assume fully the obligations of membership from the date of accession. Monitoring up to accession of these reform efforts will give the necessary assurance to Croatia and current Member States.