BRUSSELS -- Croatia has suffered a defeat in the EP in its efforts to use amendments to a resolution on Serbia to impose conditions for the country's EU integration.
"Croatia will block Serbia at cost of self-isolation"
BRUSSELS -- Croatia has suffered a defeat in the EP in its efforts to use amendments to a resolution on Serbia to impose conditions for the country's EU integration.
Source: Tanjug
Close the entire text of the article here
The EP Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this week rejected attempts of Croatian MEPs to include a series of demands to a non-binding resolution on Serbia related to bilateral issues - primarily the threat to block Serbia's EU integration bid unless the country scrapped a law that gives it the right to put on trial Croats accused of war crimes committed in Croatia.
However, observers in Brussels warn that Croatia could vote against the opening of chapters with Serbia in the European Council. Senior analyst with the Brussels-based European Stability Initiative (ESI) Alexandra Stiglmayer believes that Croatia will take advantage of this possibility.
She noted that there is no outvoting in the European Council, "so each member has the right to veto." Stiglmayer also Tanjug and using bilateral issues to set conditions was "an enormous problem for the EU, and it does not have effective tools to prevent it."
She remarked that Croatia was blocked by Slovenia during the process of joining the organization, and that Slovenia eventually had to give in under pressure from other member-states.
"We'll see if in the case of Serbia Croatia will find itself under the same kind of pressure," Stiglmayer said.
A senior official of the European Commission, who wished to remain anonymous, told Tanjug on Tuesday that Croatia's permanent representative to the EU "until the last minute objected to the inclusion of a formulation of the possibility to open first chapters with Serbia this year." These conclusions were adopted in December by the EU Council.
"If they persist in their demands, they (Croatians) can make a lot of damage, not only to Serbia but also to themselves," the source said, noting that there was "a culture of seeking compromise in Brussels," and that those members that easily resort to vetos are not looked at favorably.
The official explained that no one can prevent Croatia from blocking Serbia in the Council - but that in that case, "the youngest member of the EU risks finding itself diplomatically isolated and subjected to pressure on other issues."
"It is not good for them to be presenting ultimatums as soon as they joined the EU," the news agency quoted the source as saying.
Tanjug further quoted Alexandra Stiglmayer as observing that the Croatian assembly's resolution passed last year pledging Zagreb will not to use bilateral issues to block any country in the region in their effort to join the EU "means almost nothing."
"In Croatia they argue this is not about bilateral, but about 'civilizational' issues, and the same is claimed by Greece about Macedonia, and by Cyprus about Turkey, which have been permanently blocked," the German analyst said.
According to her, it is essential that Serbia "diligently fulfills obligations under the Stabilization and Association Agreement which are really important for the EU, primarily to continue to progress in normalizing relations with Pristina."
"If Serbia makes progress, other members will find it easier to force Croatia to act in accordance with common principles," according to Stiglmayer, who added that "if Serbia falls behind, Germany and other member states will have more understanding for Croatia's demands."
"Croatia is nothing in the scheme of things. Yes, the Croat think they are important, but the simpletons are not. They will be told to shut up and do as they are told. But the best part is that they think it’s all a Serb fantasy – lads it’s no such thing.
(sj, 26 February 2015 12:14)"
That is a logical fallacy. If Croatia is nothing than what does that make Serbia? What is less than nothing? Perhaps a black hole? ;)
(handsomejack, 2 March 2015 20:32)
Haha, all the comments saying "that's okay, Serbia didn't want to join EU anyway". Pleases, majority of Serbian citizens DO want to join. Stop acting like you aren't interested.
(handsomejack, 2 March 2015 20:31)
I forgot to add here that Slovenia failed to block Croatia's membership over the dispute of the Piran Bay because the rest of the EU told Slovenia to STFU and drop it. In effect, no veto.
(EU Dude, 28 February 2015 18:05)
I totally agree... Serbia being prevented from joining the EU would be a win for Kosovo, as well.
(icj1, 26 February 2015 04:13)
===…==
How so?
(Peggy, 26 February 2015 12:35)
Croatia is nothing in the scheme of things. Yes, the Croat think they are important, but the simpletons are not. They will be told to shut up and do as they are told. But the best part is that they think it’s all a Serb fantasy – lads it’s no such thing.
(sj, 26 February 2015 12:14)
Unfortunately they (Croatia) may be so consumed with resentment and their own hang ups that they may defy logic in a self destructive way. To me, personally, they are doing us a favor as I don't support our integration into the EU. We are already behaving like a vassal state and it irks me. We also need them less than they need us and any move to block us is doing us a favor.
(Bob, 26 February 2015 06:47)
I hope they do. Any delay is welcome because if it's delayed long enough there is a chance that European situation will change and Serbia will be spared from becoming a colony. In the meantime Croatia will do itself demage. Win, win.
(Peggy, 25 February 2015 22:53)
I totally agree... Serbia being prevented from joining the EU would be a win for Kosovo, as well.
(icj1, 26 February 2015 04:13)
I hope they do. Any delay is welcome because if it's delayed long enough there is a chance that European situation will change and Serbia will be spared from becoming a colony. In the meantime Croatia will do itself demage. Win, win.
(Peggy, 25 February 2015 22:53)
Croats want to play an important puppet role and pretend that they're important like when they ran Nazi concentration camps and when they were Austrian
bonafide and official horse groomers.
(polo fan, 25 February 2015 19:25)
That's ok, Serbia doesn't need the EU; instead Serbia can have agreements on trade and travel with the EU like Norway does.
(The voice of Reason, 25 February 2015 14:00)
But Norway has natural resources and smart leaders and progressive ideals!
(Bob, 25 February 2015 18:26)
Certain policy fields remain subject to unanimity in whole or in part, such as:
membership of the Union (opening of accession negotiations, association, serious violations of the Union's values, etc.);
As is usual with the EU, there is what is written down, and how it is actually implemented, or not as is often the case.
(EU Dude, 25 February 2015 17:28)
Veto? Since full implementation of the Lisbon Treaty last October 2014, Only foreign policy requires unanimity, thus affords a veto - everything else is Qalified Majoirty Voting:
Article 16 of the "Treaty on European Union",[20] as amended by the Treaty of Lisbon, stipulates that the Council voting arrangements of the Nice Treaty applied until 31 October 2014. Moreover, until 31 March 2017, any member state can request that the Nice rules are used for a particular vote. Article 16 also states the conditions for a qualified majority, effective since 1 November 2014 (Lisbon rules):
Majority of countries: 55%, comprising at least 15 of them, if acting on a proposal from the Commission or from the High Representative, or else 72%, and
Majority of population: 65%.
A blocking minority requires—in addition to not meeting one of the two conditions above—that at least 4 countries (or, if not all countries participate in the vote, the minimum number of countries representing more than 35% of the population of the participating countries, plus one country) vote against the proposal. Thus, there may be cases where an act is passed, even though the population condition is not met. This precludes scenarios where 3 populous countries could block a decision against the other 24 countries.
(EU Dude, 25 February 2015 17:24)
The puppet Croatian MEPs will take heed of their German masters and after a bit of "show blockade" will give in in the end. After all, Germany wants to extend its sphere of influence in the Balkans beyond Croatia and the Serbian province of Kosovo and Metochia and the easiest way for them to do so is to get the rest of Serbia into the EU. Whoever controls Serbia controls the Western Balkans.
(Tony (from Berlin), 25 February 2015 14:34)
That's ok, Serbia doesn't need the EU; instead Serbia can have agreements on trade and travel with the EU like Norway does.
(The voice of Reason, 25 February 2015 14:00)
That's ok, Serbia doesn't need the EU; instead Serbia can have agreements on trade and travel with the EU like Norway does.
(The voice of Reason, 25 February 2015 14:00)
That's ok, Serbia doesn't need the EU; instead Serbia can have agreements on trade and travel with the EU like Norway does.
(The voice of Reason, 25 February 2015 14:00)
But Norway has natural resources and smart leaders and progressive ideals!
(Bob, 25 February 2015 18:26)
The puppet Croatian MEPs will take heed of their German masters and after a bit of "show blockade" will give in in the end. After all, Germany wants to extend its sphere of influence in the Balkans beyond Croatia and the Serbian province of Kosovo and Metochia and the easiest way for them to do so is to get the rest of Serbia into the EU. Whoever controls Serbia controls the Western Balkans.
(Tony (from Berlin), 25 February 2015 14:34)
"Croatia is nothing in the scheme of things. Yes, the Croat think they are important, but the simpletons are not. They will be told to shut up and do as they are told. But the best part is that they think it’s all a Serb fantasy – lads it’s no such thing.
(sj, 26 February 2015 12:14)"
That is a logical fallacy. If Croatia is nothing than what does that make Serbia? What is less than nothing? Perhaps a black hole? ;)
(handsomejack, 2 March 2015 20:32)
I hope they do. Any delay is welcome because if it's delayed long enough there is a chance that European situation will change and Serbia will be spared from becoming a colony. In the meantime Croatia will do itself demage. Win, win.
(Peggy, 25 February 2015 22:53)
Unfortunately they (Croatia) may be so consumed with resentment and their own hang ups that they may defy logic in a self destructive way. To me, personally, they are doing us a favor as I don't support our integration into the EU. We are already behaving like a vassal state and it irks me. We also need them less than they need us and any move to block us is doing us a favor.
(Bob, 26 February 2015 06:47)
Croatia is nothing in the scheme of things. Yes, the Croat think they are important, but the simpletons are not. They will be told to shut up and do as they are told. But the best part is that they think it’s all a Serb fantasy – lads it’s no such thing.
(sj, 26 February 2015 12:14)
Croats want to play an important puppet role and pretend that they're important like when they ran Nazi concentration camps and when they were Austrian
bonafide and official horse groomers.
(polo fan, 25 February 2015 19:25)
Haha, all the comments saying "that's okay, Serbia didn't want to join EU anyway". Pleases, majority of Serbian citizens DO want to join. Stop acting like you aren't interested.
(handsomejack, 2 March 2015 20:31)
Certain policy fields remain subject to unanimity in whole or in part, such as:
membership of the Union (opening of accession negotiations, association, serious violations of the Union's values, etc.);
As is usual with the EU, there is what is written down, and how it is actually implemented, or not as is often the case.
(EU Dude, 25 February 2015 17:28)
I hope they do. Any delay is welcome because if it's delayed long enough there is a chance that European situation will change and Serbia will be spared from becoming a colony. In the meantime Croatia will do itself demage. Win, win.
(Peggy, 25 February 2015 22:53)
I totally agree... Serbia being prevented from joining the EU would be a win for Kosovo, as well.
(icj1, 26 February 2015 04:13)
Veto? Since full implementation of the Lisbon Treaty last October 2014, Only foreign policy requires unanimity, thus affords a veto - everything else is Qalified Majoirty Voting:
Article 16 of the "Treaty on European Union",[20] as amended by the Treaty of Lisbon, stipulates that the Council voting arrangements of the Nice Treaty applied until 31 October 2014. Moreover, until 31 March 2017, any member state can request that the Nice rules are used for a particular vote. Article 16 also states the conditions for a qualified majority, effective since 1 November 2014 (Lisbon rules):
Majority of countries: 55%, comprising at least 15 of them, if acting on a proposal from the Commission or from the High Representative, or else 72%, and
Majority of population: 65%.
A blocking minority requires—in addition to not meeting one of the two conditions above—that at least 4 countries (or, if not all countries participate in the vote, the minimum number of countries representing more than 35% of the population of the participating countries, plus one country) vote against the proposal. Thus, there may be cases where an act is passed, even though the population condition is not met. This precludes scenarios where 3 populous countries could block a decision against the other 24 countries.
(EU Dude, 25 February 2015 17:24)
I totally agree... Serbia being prevented from joining the EU would be a win for Kosovo, as well.
(icj1, 26 February 2015 04:13)
===…==
How so?
(Peggy, 26 February 2015 12:35)
I forgot to add here that Slovenia failed to block Croatia's membership over the dispute of the Piran Bay because the rest of the EU told Slovenia to STFU and drop it. In effect, no veto.
(EU Dude, 28 February 2015 18:05)
That's ok, Serbia doesn't need the EU; instead Serbia can have agreements on trade and travel with the EU like Norway does.
(The voice of Reason, 25 February 2015 14:00)
The puppet Croatian MEPs will take heed of their German masters and after a bit of "show blockade" will give in in the end. After all, Germany wants to extend its sphere of influence in the Balkans beyond Croatia and the Serbian province of Kosovo and Metochia and the easiest way for them to do so is to get the rest of Serbia into the EU. Whoever controls Serbia controls the Western Balkans.
(Tony (from Berlin), 25 February 2015 14:34)
Croats want to play an important puppet role and pretend that they're important like when they ran Nazi concentration camps and when they were Austrian
bonafide and official horse groomers.
(polo fan, 25 February 2015 19:25)
I hope they do. Any delay is welcome because if it's delayed long enough there is a chance that European situation will change and Serbia will be spared from becoming a colony. In the meantime Croatia will do itself demage. Win, win.
(Peggy, 25 February 2015 22:53)
Croatia is nothing in the scheme of things. Yes, the Croat think they are important, but the simpletons are not. They will be told to shut up and do as they are told. But the best part is that they think it’s all a Serb fantasy – lads it’s no such thing.
(sj, 26 February 2015 12:14)
I totally agree... Serbia being prevented from joining the EU would be a win for Kosovo, as well.
(icj1, 26 February 2015 04:13)
===…==
How so?
(Peggy, 26 February 2015 12:35)
That's ok, Serbia doesn't need the EU; instead Serbia can have agreements on trade and travel with the EU like Norway does.
(The voice of Reason, 25 February 2015 14:00)
But Norway has natural resources and smart leaders and progressive ideals!
(Bob, 25 February 2015 18:26)
Unfortunately they (Croatia) may be so consumed with resentment and their own hang ups that they may defy logic in a self destructive way. To me, personally, they are doing us a favor as I don't support our integration into the EU. We are already behaving like a vassal state and it irks me. We also need them less than they need us and any move to block us is doing us a favor.
(Bob, 26 February 2015 06:47)
Veto? Since full implementation of the Lisbon Treaty last October 2014, Only foreign policy requires unanimity, thus affords a veto - everything else is Qalified Majoirty Voting:
Article 16 of the "Treaty on European Union",[20] as amended by the Treaty of Lisbon, stipulates that the Council voting arrangements of the Nice Treaty applied until 31 October 2014. Moreover, until 31 March 2017, any member state can request that the Nice rules are used for a particular vote. Article 16 also states the conditions for a qualified majority, effective since 1 November 2014 (Lisbon rules):
Majority of countries: 55%, comprising at least 15 of them, if acting on a proposal from the Commission or from the High Representative, or else 72%, and
Majority of population: 65%.
A blocking minority requires—in addition to not meeting one of the two conditions above—that at least 4 countries (or, if not all countries participate in the vote, the minimum number of countries representing more than 35% of the population of the participating countries, plus one country) vote against the proposal. Thus, there may be cases where an act is passed, even though the population condition is not met. This precludes scenarios where 3 populous countries could block a decision against the other 24 countries.
(EU Dude, 25 February 2015 17:24)
I hope they do. Any delay is welcome because if it's delayed long enough there is a chance that European situation will change and Serbia will be spared from becoming a colony. In the meantime Croatia will do itself demage. Win, win.
(Peggy, 25 February 2015 22:53)
I totally agree... Serbia being prevented from joining the EU would be a win for Kosovo, as well.
(icj1, 26 February 2015 04:13)
I forgot to add here that Slovenia failed to block Croatia's membership over the dispute of the Piran Bay because the rest of the EU told Slovenia to STFU and drop it. In effect, no veto.
(EU Dude, 28 February 2015 18:05)
Certain policy fields remain subject to unanimity in whole or in part, such as:
membership of the Union (opening of accession negotiations, association, serious violations of the Union's values, etc.);
As is usual with the EU, there is what is written down, and how it is actually implemented, or not as is often the case.
(EU Dude, 25 February 2015 17:28)
Haha, all the comments saying "that's okay, Serbia didn't want to join EU anyway". Pleases, majority of Serbian citizens DO want to join. Stop acting like you aren't interested.
(handsomejack, 2 March 2015 20:31)
"Croatia is nothing in the scheme of things. Yes, the Croat think they are important, but the simpletons are not. They will be told to shut up and do as they are told. But the best part is that they think it’s all a Serb fantasy – lads it’s no such thing.
(sj, 26 February 2015 12:14)"
That is a logical fallacy. If Croatia is nothing than what does that make Serbia? What is less than nothing? Perhaps a black hole? ;)
(handsomejack, 2 March 2015 20:32)