European parliament president: Croatia can be in EU by 2009
Croatia could become part of the EU by 2009 if it can continue its progress in overcoming obstacles to the accession process, according to the president of the European parliament.
In an interview with Germany's Die Welt newspaper, president Hans-Gert Poettering said he expected Croatia to become the EU's 28th member during summer 2009, provided progress towards the accession targets remain on-track, according to the Javno news agency.
Mr Poettering said that the country's accession will greatly improve the stability of the Balkan regions, with other countries likely to follow Croatia's lead.
"The future of all west Balkan countries lies in Europe. I am counting on the new European accord coming into effect together with the European elections in the summer of 2009. Obstacles on this path can be overcome," he remarked.
Recently, the Hina news agency reported that Poland supports the accession of Croatia into the EU, following a meeting between the two countries' respective parliamentary speakers.
Poland expressed its concern that the failure to adopt a new EU constitution could unfairly hamper attempts to accept new countries into the union.
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