Croatia's Kosor Ready to Meet Slovene PM

Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor has confirmed her readiness to meet Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor.

“The preparations for the meeting are ongoing, therefore I cannot mention dates, but I do hope it will take place soon and that we will discuss concrete things”, Kosor said in Brussels.

When this happens, it will be the first high-level meeting between leaders from Zagreb and Ljubljana since last month’s failure to reach agreement on their ongoing border dispute.
A resolution would allow Croatia to continue on the path to EU integration.

Kosor assumed her country's leadership following the surprise departure of Ivo Sanader, who tendered his resignation as prime minister on July 1. In his resignation speech, Sanader recommended his then-deputy, Kosor, as the best person to replace him. One week later, Kosor was confirmed as the first woman prime minister of Croatia.

Slovenia has blocked Croatia from opening final EU accession talks, arguing that Zagreb must first settle the border dispute.

In the wake of a failed six-month effort by the European Commission to break the deadlock, the EU has taken the official position that it is up to the neighbouring states to come to a bilateral arrangement.

This line was confirmed today by the president of the European Commission, EC, Jose Manuel Barosso, who met Kosor in Brussels.

“We believe that after six months of efforts it is up to the two neighbouring countries to find a solution,” Barosso said.

The EC head welcomed the readiness of the two prime ministers to meet. “I think it is an important opportunity and I wish them the best,” he said.

During her first official visit to EU institutions, Kosor received guarantees that the EU’s doors are open for Croatia. Barosso underlined that he is commited to the enlargement of the EU and “to the prospect of Croatia joining our common project”.