The European Union's Belgian presidency will attempt to ensure a smooth continuation of accession negotiations with Croatia, which are nearing completion, but cannot make a commitment that they will be wrapped up by the end of the year, the most senior Belgian officials said on Friday.
Belgium is taking over the EU's rotating presidency on July 1.
Belgium will promote good progress in negotiations with Croatia, but is not committing to a time frame, Prime Minister Yves Leterme told a news conference in response to the question if Croatia could wrap up its entry talks by December 31, the end of Belgium's presidency.
Leterme and Belgian Foreign Minister Stevn Vanackere were presenting the priorities of the country's EU presidency.
The answer to questions as to when the negotiation chapters should be opened or closed will be based on progress, Leterme said, adding that during a visit to Zagreb a few weeks ago he said the time frame was very tight and that one should see matters as they were and what was possible.
Our logic is not based on the calendar but on merit, said Vanackere, adding, My job will be to ensure a smooth continuation of the negotiations with Croatia, which are nearing completion.
In the enlargement process, which includes the Western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland, Belgium will attempt to be a fair intermediary between the candidate countries and the EU members, said Vaneckere, adding he expected Iceland, which was granted candidate status last week, to begin accession negotiations during Belgium's EU presidency.
