The European Union (EU) on Tuesday opened two more policy areas for accession talks with Croatia.
With the two new policy areas -- freedom of movement of workers, and social policy and employment -- 20 of the 35 "chapters" have been opened and two have been provisionally closed since the start of negotiations in October 2005.
Following an accession conference meeting at the EU headquarters here, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Jandrokovic said his country's objective is to conclude negotiations by the end of the mandate of the current European Commission in October 2009.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, whose country holds the EU presidency, said the pace of the negotiations depends entirely on Croatia.
"It's possible. I wish this possibility became reality," said Rupel with regard to Croatia's EU bid.
The EU looks forward to Croatia's quick accession, he added.
"The EU is ready for Croatia. We hope Croatia is also ready for the EU," Rupel told a press conference.
Asked whether the Irish rejection of the Lisbon Treaty could slow down Croatia's accession, Rupel insisted there was no connection between the two issues.
"Formally, technically, legally, there is no connection between the Lisbon Treaty and the accession of Croatia," he said.
However, he admitted that the Irish "no" vote might complicate psychological or political sentiments.
"Even if there was a complete failure of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, in line with the existing legislation of the EU, we could solve the issue of Croatia's membership appropriately. I think Croatia could become a member (of the EU) regardless of the Lisbon Treaty."
However, he did not touch upon the fact that current EU treaties are tailored for no more than 27 member states.
Source: Xinhua
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