The European Union announced that it has cancelled the next round of membership talks with Croatia due to a border dispute with Slovenia. The border dispute has been going on for 18 years since both countries declared their independence from Yugoslavia, and has been a stumbling block in the ongoing EU talks for Croatia. Slovenia insists that it be resolved before negotiations resume.
Slovenia joined the EU in 2004 and Croatia hopes to become a full member in 2011, but that timetable may be delayed. One of the main sticking points involves access to international waters. Slovenia would like to secure free access to international shipping waters with a corridor across Piran Bay, which is currently controlled by Croatia. Croatia sees the ultimate resolution coming from the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Sweden takes over the presidency of the EU on July 1st, following a term led by the Czech Republic. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt called recently for “a period of reflection in both countries.” He indicated that Sweden would not propose any new initiatives until both sides are ready.
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