Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida, Head of the European Union Delegation to the U.S., Welcomes Croatia's EU Accession Referendum

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Delegation of the European Union to the United States

Jan 23, 2012, 03:42 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "I welcome Croatia's referendum in favor of membership in the European Union. This historic vote paves the way for Croatia to become the EU's 28th member on July 1, 2013, pending the successful conclusion of the ratification procedures.

The decision to join our Union is good news for the Croatian people, the EU and all of Europe. Croatia serves as a positive example to other countries in the region that through hard work and determined reforms, membership of the EU is an attainable goal.

Following Croatia signing the EU Accession Treaty last December, Croatia's Charge d'Affaires to the United States, Vice Skracic, has participated as an observer in the regular meetings of the Ambassadors of the 27 EU Member States which I chair. I look forward to continuing our important partnership with our Croatian colleagues as the latest member of the European Union."