Croatia to become the 28th Member State of the European Union On Monday 1 July, 2013

28-6-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — On Monday 1 July Croatia will become the 28th Member State of the European Union. Croatia’s accession marks another milestone in the construction of a united Europe. It also provides fresh evidence of the transformative power of the European Union: torn by conflict only two decades ago, Croatia is now a stable democracy, capable of taking on the obligations of EU membership and of adhering to EU standards.

On the eve of Croatia’s accession, President Barroso said:

“Croatia’s accession to the European Union is a historic event, which returns the country to its rightful place at the heart of Europe. I look forward to Croatia’s contribution to the EU, which will be a success story – to the benefit of the Union, of the people of Croatia and of South East Europe as whole.”

Croatia’s accession shows that the European perspective is real for those countries firmly committed to the EU agenda. It is a clear signal for the region: the EU keeps its commitments if the necessary reforms are delivered and conditions are met.

Background

Croatia’s accession will be celebrated in Zagreb on Sunday 30 June and Monday 1 – July. The European Commission will be represented by President Barroso, Vice-President Reding, Commissioner Füle and Commissioner Mimica. On 30 June the EU Delegation in Zagreb will close its doors and the following day the European Commission Representation will open.

Programme of events in Zagreb:
Sunday 30 June 23:00 Official ceremony
Monday 1 July: Opening of the European Commission Representation

For more information

Institutional and administrative aspects of Croatia’s EU accession:
MEMO/13/593

Croatia’s EU accession – Q&A:
MEMO/13/629

Appointment of the new Head of Representation:
IP/13/581

Statistics: STAT/13/100
http://www.croatia-in-the-eu.eu/
http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/countries/detailed-country-information/croatia/index_en.htm

Audio-visual material:

http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/focus/index.cfm?sitelang=en&focusid=310

Contacts :
Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen (+32 2 295 30 70)
Mina Andreeva (+32 2 299 13 82)
Peter Stano (+32 2 295 74 84)