The Austrian parliament's committee on the constitution greenlighted the ratification of Croatia's Treaty of Accession with the European Union, thus paving the way for voting in the National Assembly next week and a possible ratification in July.
Croatia's EU entry was unanimously endorsed and welcomed by the committee on the constitution, a statement issued by the Austrian parliament said.
Austria has always supported Croatia's EU path, deputy Johann Maier (SPOe) said.
Deputy Peter Fichtenbauer (FPOe) recalled that Austria and Croatia had a shared history, underlining Austria's responsibility for southeast European countries.
Croatia is most probably more capable of being a part of the European Union than some EU member states, said deputy Herbert Scheibner (BZOe).
Wolfgang Gerstl (OeVP) spoke about the economic and political aspects, advocating further strengthening of economic and political ties between Austria and Croatia.
Johann Maier (SPOe) said Croatia still had to deal with judiciary issues.
Croatia is scheduled to enter the bloc on 1 July 2013 on condition that all EU member states ratify Croatia EU Accession Treaty by 30 June 2013. The treaty has so far been ratified by half EU member states.
