"This revision is important also because in 2013 Croatia will have to hold elections for the European Parliament as well as regular local elections. Ambassador Vandoren stressed that he hopes that early consultations will take place between the Croatian government and the EU side and that significant progress can be noted by the Autumn Monitoring Report of the European Commission," the EU Delegation said in a statement.

"The meeting was aimed also at an exchange of views regarding the priorities of the new government in the Public Administration Reform (PAR). More specifically, issues related to civil service reform (including depoliticisation) were raised.

"Ambassador Vandoren underlined the importance for the new Croatian government to maintain fruitful dialogue with the European Commission, especially in the field of possible PAR legal framework modifications, in view of their cross-sectoral and inter-institutional impact," the statement said.

"Ambassador Vandoren pointed out that further efforts are needed by the Croatian authorities in order to ensure efficient, modern, citizen-oriented public services in Croatia. He stressed the importance of an efficient, transparent and reliable administration at central, regional and local level in order to attract investments, be they private or public, foreign or domestic, which will create new jobs, enhance competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth of the economy," the EU Delegation said.