Croatian President Ivo Josipovic on Monday received a joint delegation of the European affairs committees of the French and German parliaments, who expressed their support for Croatia's efforts to successfully complete the final stage of its European Union accession negotiations.
According to a statement from the President's Office, the German and French parliamentarians put special emphasis on the need for clear and intense communication with the public to inform them about the benefits of EU membership.
Josipovic informed the guests about the ongoing reform of the justice system and the fight against corruption, as well as about Croatia's efforts to promote stability and cooperation in southeastern Europe.
The French and German delegation also met with Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, who said that Croatia planned to wrap up its EU accession negotiations by the middle of the year.
The German and French MPs acknowledged the progress Croatia had made in fighting corruption and reforming its judiciary, which is important for closing Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights). The support expressed by the parliamentarians for Croatia's EU entry was at the same time a message to other countries in the region on their path to EU membership, the government said in a statement.
Kosor thanked the guests for their support and expressed hope that Croatia would soon become the 28th member of the Union.
