Croatia tipped for EU entry
Croatia could become a member of the European Union within the next five years, it has been suggested.
A report by the body stated that the country was making substantial progress with its negotiations on achieving full membership.
Although the EU called for more to be done on issues such as judicial reform, minority rights and the restructuring of the manufacturing sector, Croatia's bid was still said to be on track.
The report stated that of the countries currently bidding for EU membership, Croatia was the only one that was likely to be economically and politically prepared within five years.
Speaking of the bid, the European commission said it "expects substantial progress in the accession negotiations with Croatia in the course of the year ahead, provided that the country maintains the necessary reform momentum and meets the conditions".
Several eastern European countries have entered the EU in recent years including Bulgaria and Romania, which became members in January 2007.
Other nations in the region, such as Albania and Montenegro, are currently applying to become candidates for membership.
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