Against the backdrop of massive anti-government demonstrations in Zagreb, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has praised the efforts of Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor and her cabinet to bring the country closer to the European Union. “In my six years as Commission president, I find this the most convinced and committed Croatian government for European integration,” said Barroso in a statement issued on his visit to the country, on 7 April, that was part of his two-day trip to the Western Balkan region (see Europolitics4177). He expressed his confidence that the conclusion of the accession talks with Croatia is "within reach”. “You are very close to the finishing line. But a final effort is still needed,” he added.

The Commission listed, at the beginning of March, the remaining reforms Zagreb has to successfully implement in in the areas of the judiciary and fundamental rights to be able to complete its accession talks by the end of June. The Croatian government is currently working on the adoption, by mid-May, of an action plan on the implementation of all remaining laws in order to meet the Commission’s benchmarks.

A wave of popular anti-government protests that has been sweeping through Croatia in recent weeks has destabilised the political situation in the country, putting in jeopardy Zagreb’s plan to conclude its accession negotiations with the EU by end of June. EU diplomats fear that possible early parliamentary elections may block the socially and politically painful reforms that Croatia needs to undertake to successfully conclude negotiations in such areas as competition or the judiciary.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Barroso also addressed a strong political message to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the second Western Balkan country he visited after Croatia, on 7-9 April. He called on the Bosnian politicians to overcome the current political deadlock that has been paralysing reforms and damaging the country’s progress toward EU integration. “A common vision and common desire is crucial to address the reforms that are key for progress towards the EU,” said Barroso. “For these necessary reforms to be addressed, a government at state-level needs to be in place so that pressing priorities can be tackled,” he said.

Montenegro

In Montenegro, Barroso urged the authorities to step up reforms in the areas of the fight against corruption and organised crime and the judiciary. Pristina was granted candidate status last December. The Commission made it clear at the same time that any further step, namely the opening accession talks, will require a good track record in implementation of key reforms. “We need to see concrete results in this crucial field – from fighting organised crime and corruption to strengthening judicial independence,” said Barroso.

FYROM

In Ohrid, Barroso agreed two concrete steps with the Macedonian government: the establishment of a high-level accession dialogue, which would take place twice a year, to speed up the implementation of the needed reforms and an economic policy conference to address strategic challenges.