– It is not the intention of the European Union, the Commission, or the member states to slow down or stop negotiations with Croatia – stated the head of the EC Delegation in Croatia at a press conference on Monday.
The conference was convened for Degert to present his views on the current state of Croatia in the EU negotiation process, specifically to dispel speculations that emerged in Croatian media over the weekend regarding the postponement of negotiations and the non-opening of Chapter 23, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights.
– Two-thirds of the chapters have not received benchmarks, while 12 have been officially opened, and approximately six more chapters will be opened during the Portuguese presidency – noted Degert, adding that benchmarks are a standard procedure in the negotiation process and allow candidate countries to focus on important elements. He also stated that Chapter 23 is important as it includes issues such as human rights, corruption, and organized crime, and that the EU always emphasizes the importance of these issues in its annual progress report. After the screening for Chapter Judiciary and Fundamental Rights was completed in October last year, a report is currently being prepared, which is being commented on by member states, after which the EU Council will decide on the opening of the chapter and whether there will be benchmarks for opening. Luis Barreiros, the Portuguese ambassador to Croatia, stated that he speaks on behalf of all EU member states and that there is no talk of suspending negotiations.
