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EU Enlargement Eastward: Negotiations Commence with Croatia and Bulgaria
Germany has always been a staunch supporter or an Eastern Enlargement of the European Union to eventually include Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania. Croatia, a Southeastern European country with a population of 4.4 million, is striving to accede to the European Union (EU) by 2007, along with Bulgaria and Romania. The EU responded positively to its formal application of February 21, 2003. On December 17, 2004, the European Council welcomed the findings and recommendations presented by the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament in its strategy paper on Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania on October 6, 2004. Chancellor Gerhard Schröder already said during Croatian Prime Minister Dr. Ivo Sanader's visit to Germany in March 2004 that joining the ranks of accession candidates sends an important signal to Croatia. Croatia is both politically and economically stable. At the same time, it is recognized that this fact cannot be taken for granted in a region that certainly is not among the most stable in Europe. Croatia can therefore also be viewed as a forerunner, said Schroeder. The Commission presented a proposal for a framework for negotiations with Croatia, taking full account of the experiences of the fifth enlargement, and asked the Council to approve the framework with a view to the March 17, 2005, start date for negotiations. Croatia's cooperation with the International Criminal Court at the Hague plays a crucial role in the negotiations on EU accession. The issue specifically concerns former General Ante Gotovina, who has been accused of war crimes but has not yet been arrested and extradited because he went into hiding. The European Council noted with satisfaction the progress made by Croatia in preparing for the opening of accession negotiations. The negotiations with Croatia can have a stabilizing effect on the entire Balkan region following the horrible wars of the 1990s. The Europaen Council also welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations with Bulgaria, the Balcan Republic with a population of 7.8 million, and Romania, the former Socialist People’s Republic of Ceausescu with a population of 21.8 million, and fixed the april 2005 for the signing of the joining of membership after the agreement of the European Parliament. The final enlargement will be in 2007. The Europaen Union will follow the preparations and the progress of Bulgaria and Romania, particular in the areas of justice and interiors, competition policy and environment. Every year the Commission will present a report of the developement and give recommendations for the countries on the way to the EU. Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has already added during Bulgarian President Paranov’s visit to Germany in November 2004 that “Germany supports the wish of Bulgaria. We want to realize this dream.” In May 2004 Schröder has said after the meeting with Bulgarian’s Prime Minister Sakskoburgotski that “Bulgaria steped forwards in these years of beginning the negotiations. In 2007 with almost complete certainly it will be accede to the EU.” “Also Romania will be reach the same destination in 2007”, said Schröder at the same meeting. “There are still some problems, but they will be overcome. Germany will help Romania on that way.” December 27, 2004
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