asked Her Majesty's Government:
What the United Kingdom/Croatian strategic partnership in Europe has so far achieved. [HL3633]
The UK/Croatia strategic partnership is delivering in many key areas. Among other projects, the UK has supported the development of alternative dispute resolution in the Croatian courts helping to reduce case backlogs and speed citizens' access to justice. There has been a wide programme of scholars visiting the UK, many with funds matched by host institutions or Croatian ministries. A UK anti-corruption adviser has provided legal and practical advice to the Ministry of Justice, towards meeting the requirements of the accession process. Co-operation between the two sides has led to UN-accreditation for the annual police peacekeeping training, held in Croatia, which also brings in participants from regional neighbours. Trade missions in both directions have developed direct business links, especially in priority sectors such as ports, financial services, and the environment. The two partners have also communicated the benefits of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation membership to the Croatian public, paving the way for a rise in levels of popular support and an invitation at the Bucharest summit.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to further the progress of the United Kingdom/Croatian strategic partnership in Europe. [HL3634]
The UK/Croatia strategic partnership that was launched in 2007 is a valuable tool in progressing co-operation between the two countries. This is a two-way partnership which has brought momentum to build upon in the ongoing process of reforms undertaken by Croatia. Close co-operation between the UK and Croatia will continue in the framework of this strategy and we will continue to explore new possibilities for our partnership.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
To what extent the current United Kingdom/Croatian strategic partnership in Europe may provide a useful precedent within south-east Europe for states not yet candidates for membership of the European Union. [HL3635]
The UK/Croatia strategic partnership launched in March 2007 is a valuable framework for co-operation between the two countries. It sets out the areas in which the UK supports Croatia— in which there is a two-way exchange of ideas, experiences and best practice in light of the shared strategic goal of Croatian membership of the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)—and Croatia's role in spreading stability and prosperity to its neighbours.
Croatia's progress towards EU and NATO membership, and in making difficult but necessary reforms, shows what can be achieved through partnership and co-operation. In that context, Croatia has been playing a leading role in laying the basis for a stable and prosperous south-east Europe. This provides a useful model and precedent for other countries in the region.