The entry into force of the arbitration deal launched formal preparation for the arbitration procedure, Balazic told a news conference in Ljubljana, adding that the exchange of diplomatic notes last week enabled the two countries to enter a new period which would be continued through partnership once Croatia joined Slovenia in the European Union.

The Croatia-Slovenia arbitration agreement, which is expected to resolve the bilateral border dispute, entered into effect after the two countries exchanged diplomatic notes, Balazic said. He added that Slovenia was looking forward to partnership with future EU member Croatia.

The procedural deadlines from the arbitration agreement will go into effect once Croatia wraps up its EU membership talks and signs the Accession Treaty. Previously, Slovenia made its support for the continuation of Croatia's EU membership negotiations conditional on the settlement of the border dispute.