The extension of a Croatian ban on fishing in parts of the Adriatic has coaxed a strong reaction from Brussels. The EU is urging Croatia to quickly resolve the matter so that the country’s EU accession process can move ahead quickly.

Croatia’s Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone was introduced in 2004 and originally excluded EU member states, although the restrictions have never been enforced. An extension of the unilateral ban from of January 1 has especially angered Italy and Slovenia. Slovenia and Croatia already have several border disputes, including maritime disagreements. Italy claims that the protection zone also obstructs both fishing and naval exercises, while Croatia claims per annum losses of up to EUR 300 million from lost fish stocks.

Croatia began EU entry talks in 2005, having closed two of a total 35 policy areas in 2006. The Croatian Parliament also plans to harmonise its domestic legislation to EU norms by passing 119 new or changed laws in 2008. The European Parliament hopes to reach a “final decision” on Croatia’s EU accession by 2009.