Croatia is in its final stage of accession negotiations, but still has a few obstacles to overcome, Croatian President Ivo Josipovic and European Union Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele underscored in Zagreb.

“We agreed that the reforms are progressing”, Josipovic said after the meeting with Fuel.

“Public needs to know that we have to make extra effort in judicial system reform, in cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) regarding so-called artillery diaries, as well as in negotiations on market competition, for all branches of economy depending on state subventions”, Croatian president said.

He added he was convinced that Croatian public has confidence in efforts the government is making for Croatia to finalize negotiations during next year in accordance with the plans, and to sign the accession agreement, Hina reports.

Fuel stated he was happy to be in Zagreb shortly after the report on progress was issued, as it was “rather positive and in which remaining challenges were listed.”