Swoboda made the statement yesterday at the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs session discussing a draft resolution on Croatia's progress, with Kosor telling the press today that this was great news.

"The clock is ticking fast and I think yesterday's statements and announcements are good and go towards the accomplishment of the common goal that Croatia become the EU's 28th member," Kosor said in response to the question if she was pleased with Swoboda's statements and if they were in accordance with the government's expectations.

Kosor said she was pleased with the progress report on Croatia and with Swoboda's statement, adding she had information that Swoboda "will add something to those statements today."

"If he does, then very good, and if he doesn't, it's still good. What's key in what Swoboda was saying yesterday is that Croatia has a chance to wrap up the negotiations by the middle of this year, by June. This is great news, I applaud it and also thank Swoboda on the excellent report."

Kosor said the amendments submitted to Swoboda's report, although many, were positive as well. "I can say that's in accordance with the government's expectations that Croatia will wrap up the negotiations by June this year, during Hungary's (EU) presidency. What will be after that, we'll see."

She voiced confidence that the ratification of Croatia's accession treaty "will occur at the pace we expect."

She thanked the European Socialists, Liberals and the European People's Party for their support, saying "we can move on with full optimism."

"The first big thing is to meet all the benchmarks and close (negotiation) chapters 8 (Competition Policy) and 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights)," said Kosor.