Fri, May 25, 2012
LJUBLJANA, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Visiting European Council President Herman Van Rompuy on Friday said economic growth and employment should be increased in the eurozone to battle recession.
"Renewing the trust in the future of the eurozone is a key factor for encouraging growth and employment," Van Rompuy told the Slovenian national assembly, noting that economic reform while painful is a must in the process.
On Western Balkans' issues, Van Rompuy expressed hope that all countries in the region will continue their political and economic reforms. He expected all 27 EU member states to ratify Croatia's EU accession agreement in time.
Croatia applied for EU membership in 2003. After finishing accession negotiations in June 2011, it signed the Treaty of Accession to become the bloc's 28th member at the end of last year. Croatia is due to join the EU on July 1, 2013.
He added ongoing issues between Slovenia and Croatia should be solved "in the spirit of neighbourly cooperation," referring to border disputes around the Gulf of Piran between the two countries.
Slovenia and Croatia, both from the former Yugoslavia, have agreed to international arbitration.
During his one-day visit, Van Rompuy is scheduled to have talks with Prime Minister Janez Jansa, President Danilo Turk, Parliament Speaker Gregor Virant and former prime minister Borut Pahor.
