The Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom completed ratification of Croatia’s EU Accession Treaty in advance of a visit to UK of Croatia’s President Ivo Josipovic, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated in a press release on Monday.
"The UK deposited documents of ratification with the Italian government, the depositary authority for the Treaty of Rome. This paves the way for Croatia to accede to the EU on 1 July 2013, once remaining EU Member States have also deposited their documents."
Foreign Secretary William Hague was quoted in the statement delivered by the British Embassy in Zagreb as saying the he was "delighted that today the UK formally completed ratification of the Croatian Accession Treaty. The final step was taken this morning by our Ambassador in Rome who deposited the Instrument of Ratification with the Italian government. The UK now looks forward to welcoming Croatia as the 28th EU Member State on 1 July 2013."
The statement describes Croatia's accession to the European Union on 1 July as "an historic moment for Croatia and the EU".
"This will be an historic moment for Croatia and the EU, marking the culmination of six years of the toughest accession negotiations yet. The determination and commitment that the Croatian government and people have shown has transformed the country as the EU’s far-reaching reforms have taken effect. Successful EU membership is an opportunity to unlock prosperity for Croatia’s people and provides a clear example to Croatia’s western Balkans neighbours that hard work does indeed pay off. The UK Government is confident that Croatia will be ready in full and I welcome the commitment that Croatian government ministers have made to ensuring that the reform momentum continues post-accession so that the benefits can be harnessed in full," Hague said.
President Josipovic will be visiting Britain on 22-24 May and on that occasion he will be received by Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister David Cameron and other British senior officials.
Hague said that Josipovic's visit will be "an opportunity for the UK to mark the continued strength of our friendship and partnership with Croatia, from our support throughout Croatia’s accession negotiations to our commitment to our ongoing partnership bilaterally and in the EU. We look forward to working with Croatia as a full partner in the EU in seeking to build a more competitive, open and flexible Europe for the benefit of all its citizens."
