The European Commission's last Monitoring Report on Croatia's preparations for joining the EU show that this country has completed the ten priority actions identified in the previous report in October, and has shown the will and ability to fulfil all outstanding commitments in good time before accession.

The last Monitoring Report on Croatia's preparations for joining the EU published by the European Commission shows that Croatia will be ready to join the European Union on 1 July 2013. According to Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle, Croatia's is a success for enlargement. He highlighted that it is also a good example for the rest of the region as it moves closer to the EU. In December 2012, €46,8 million were allocated to help Croatia to become a successful EU Member State.

The report states that the EU membership is an additional incentive to carry on with reforms and Croatia is expected to continue developing its track record in the field of the rule of law, notably in the fight against corruption. The Commission stressed that the country has demonstrated its ability to fulfil other commitments related to EU membership, such as getting ready to receive structural funds, in good time before accession.

The Commission underlined that Croatia has made great strides not only since the end of the accession negotiations, but also since the previous Monitoring report. The results it has achieved are directly benefiting its citizens. The European institution underlines that the country is now ready to take its place in the EU as planned and it is looking forward to completion of the ratification of the Accession Treaty and welcoming Croatia in the EU on the 1 July.