The European Parliament supports the completion of membership negotiations with Croatia as soon as possible and believes that its accession is in the interest of the European Union, it was said during talks between Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor and European Parliament leaders in Strasbourg on Tuesday.

Kosor met with European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek, Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele and leaders of political groups in the European Parliament. The European Parliament is due to discuss and vote on a resolution on Croatia's progress on Wednesday.

"I think we are really running the final metres of the race and that we are going to complete the negotiations in June at the end of the Hungarian presidency," Kosor said after her meeting with Buzek.

Croatia is yet to close negotiations in six policy areas, and Kosor said three policy chapters could be closed in April and the remaining three in June.

"We are working on all the chapters with great commitment, but are particularly occupied with the Competition Policy chapter, which relates to the shipbuilding industry, and the Judiciary and Fundamental Rights chapter. I hope our success is recognised," the PM said.

Buzek said this was a very important moment because the European Parliament would be voting on Croatia, accession negotiations and future enlargement on Wednesday.

Our position is very positive and we expect a very positive vote in the European Parliament, Buzek said.

Buzek said that Croatia's accession was also very important for the EU and its neighbourhood policy and for cooperation with the entire Balkans. It is in our mutual interest, he added.

Buzek congratulated Croatia on everything it had achieved in the negotiations so far.

Croatia has made great progress and I think it is a model country for the Balkans. The stability of the region is very important to us, Buzek said, praising Croatia for its cooperation with Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries, and for very successful negotiations on its border dispute with Slovenia. He said that outstanding issues with neighbours should be settled before EU entry.

Buzek also highlighted the importance of completing the work in combating corruption and organised crime, as well as ensuring cooperation with the Hague war crimes tribunal, resolving the issue of the state-owned shipyards and reforming public administration.

Kosor said that Croatia was committed to continuing the reforms even after the completion of the accession negotiations.

"The Croatian government is determined to continue the reforms because all the decisions made and the laws passed must be visible in everyday life," Kosor said, adding that after entering the EU, Croatia would continue supporting its neighbours on their path towards EU integration.