UK Ratifies Croatian European Union Accession Treaty
The FCO today completed ratification of Croatia’s EU Accession Treaty in advance of a visit to UK of Croatia’s President Dr Ivo Josipovic.
The UK deposited documents of ratification with the Italian government, the depositary authority for the Treaty of Rome. This paves the way for Croatia to accede to the EU on 1 July 2013, once remaining EU Member States have also deposited their documents.
The President of Croatia Dr. Ivo Josipović will visit the UK as Guest of Her Majesty’s Government, between 22-24 May.
The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said:
I am delighted that today the UK formally completed ratification of the Croatian Accession Treaty. The final step was taken this morning by our Ambassador in Rome who deposited the Instrument of Ratification with the Italian government. The UK now looks forward to welcoming Croatia as the 28th EU Member State on 1 July 2013.
This will be an historic moment for Croatia and the EU, marking the culmination of six years of the toughest accession negotiations yet. The determination and commitment that the Croatian government and people have shown has transformed the country as the EU’s far-reaching reforms have taken effect. Successful EU membership is an opportunity to unlock prosperity for Croatia’s people and provides a clear example to Croatia’s western Balkans neighbours that hard work does indeed pay off. The UK Government is confident that Croatia will be ready in full and I welcome the commitment that Croatian government ministers have made to ensuring that the reform momentum continues post-accession so that the benefits can be harnessed in full.
I also have the pleasure to extend my warm welcome to the President of Croatia, Dr. Ivo Josipović, who will visit the UK as Guest of Her Majesty’s Government from 22 to 24 May. This is an opportunity for the UK to mark the continued strength of our friendship and partnership with Croatia, from our support throughout Croatia’s accession negotiations to our commitment to our ongoing partnership bilaterally and in the EU. We look forward to working with Croatia as a full partner in the EU in seeking to build a more competitive, open and flexible Europe for the benefit of all its citizens.
Further information
The President of Croatia Dr. Ivo Josipović will visit the UK as Guest of Her Majesty’s Government, between 22-24 May. The President will meet with Her Majesty The Queen, the Prime Minister, Vince Cable the Business Secretary and Chris Grayling the Justice Secretary.
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