Verbatim report of proceedings

Thursday, 1 December 2011 - Brussels

6.19. Accession Treaty: Treaty concerning the accession of the Republic of Croatia (A7-0390/2011 - Hannes Swoboda)

- Before the vote:

  Hannes Swoboda, rapporteur. – (DE) Mr President, if you will permit me, I have a brief comment to make. At the beginning of the sitting, you welcomed the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament and his colleagues. As rapporteur, I would like to express my sincere thanks. The parliament in question, the Sabor, has implemented the laws that we have required with a thoroughness and speed that is truly exemplary. I am sure that all involved can confirm that, including Mr Hökmark, the Chair of the delegation to the EU-Croatia Joint Parliamentary Committee.

I would like to add that I implore my fellow Members to back Croatia’s application for accession with a large majority in favour. That would represent a signal not only for Croatia, but for the future of the EU, an expression of faith in this European Union. That is because if Croatia is to join the Union, it will do so fully aware of our problems, but also aware that this is the future of Europe.

(Applause)