The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, made the following statement on the recommendation of the European Commission to close the remaining chapters in accession negotiations with Croatia:

"Croatia took a big step today on its path towards joining the European Union. I am delighted the Commission recommended the conclusion of membership talks. I expect the foreign ministers of all EU member states will endorse the recommendation as soon as possible.

The accession of Croatia will expand the EU´s area of peace, democracy and the rule of law. It will be a signal for the whole region that the EU´s door remains open to all countries that fulfil the necessary criteria.

The European Parliament welcomes Croatia with open arms. We hope that on 1 July 2013, we will be able to celebrate the arrival of the 28th member state of our European Union.

Croatia has achieved so much against so many odds. Since accession talks officially started in October 2005, the entire country has made a tremendous effort to match the strict standards of EU membership. I congratulate the Croatian government and the great Croatian people for this achievement.

From my own experience as Prime Minister of Poland, I know that the accession to the EU is a long and difficult process, which will ultimately pay off for everybody. The end of negotiations is not the end of the road, but only the beginning. Croatia should continue the path of reform.

European integration helps to overcome the divisions of the past. Croatia is now a role model for the entire region. I am very much looking forward to visiting the country this autumn."

• Robert A. Golański

  Spokesman

  Mobile: +32 475 751 663

• Friedrich Bokern

  Press Officer

  Mobile: +32 498 981 348