The EU closes accession negotiations with Croatia, which should allow for the signature of the Accession Treaty by the end of the year. The accession is foreseen for 1 July 2013, following the ratification procedure in all Member States and Croatia.

The EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Stefan Füle congratulated Croatia on the efforts made so far. The commissioner also stated that the Commission will continue this strict, transparent approach to monitor how Croatia delivers on the commitments so that it will be able to fully assume the responsibilities of membership from the first day of accession.

With this decision it marks a successful end to six-years of negotiations consisting of 35 negotiating chapters covering the whole range of EU policies and rules. During this time, solutions have been found between the two parties to allow for Croatia to smoothly integrate in the EU and for the EU to be able to welcome a new member. Finally, EU Member States agreed to close the remaining policy chapters under negotiations, following the Commission recommendations, including in two key areas: judiciary and fundamental rights, and competition policy.

Croatia has launched reforms in critical areas with regard to the judiciary and fundamental rights, strengthening the independence and efficiency of the judiciary, in fight against corruption and protection of fundamental rights. In the chapter on competition policy, which lies at the very heart of the EU internal market, Croatia has had to adopt restructuring plans to help achieving the viability of its steel and shipbuilding sectors, in line with the EU state aid rules.

An accession treaty with Croatia is expected to be signed within six months, following a formal opinion by the Commission, consent from the European Parliament, and a decision by the Council. After that, all Member States and Croatia will launch ratification procedures in line with their own national rules.