Croatia's EU Entry Talks Halted by Slovenia Again

Croatia made progress towards its goal of wrapping up negotiations in 2010 to join the European Union but entry talks were stalled in some areas by neighbouring Slovenia, an EU member.

Back in October 2009, Croatia resumed EU membership talks, after neighbour Slovenia lifted an embargo on furthering the matter.

A dispute over borders between Croatia and Slovenia had kept talks frozen in many policy areas, making it impossible for the former Yugoslav state to finalise them in 2008.

Although that dispute appears to have been resolved, Slovenia has blocked the opening of talks in three other areas.

The areas in question are fisheries, environment and foreign and security policy. Croatia says it hopes to open talks in the coming months.

Croatia's goal to become the EU's 28th member in 2012 could be at risk unless accession negotiations finish in 2010.