Croatia 2007 progress report. Commission staff working document.

Abstract

Since March 2002, the Commission has reported regularly to the Council and the Parliament on progress made by the countries of the Western Balkans region. This report on progress made by Croatia in preparing for EU membership largely follows the same structure as in previous years. The report: –briefly describes the relations between Croatia and the Union; –analyses the situation in Croatia in terms of the political criteria for membership; –analyses the situation in Croatia on the basis of the economic criteria for membership; –reviews Croatia's capacity to assume the obligations of membership, that is, the acquis expressed in the Treaties, the secondary legislation, and the policies of the Union.The period covered by this report is from 1 October 2006 to 3 October 2007. Progress is measured on the basis of decisions taken, legislation adopted and measures implemented. As a rule, legislation or measures which are under preparation or await parliamentary approval have not been taken into account. This approach ensures equal treatment across all reports and permits an objective assessment.