EBRD experts were on the airwaves today discussing Croatia’s accession to the European Union.
- Peter Sanfey, deputy director of country strategy and policy within the Office of the Chief Economist, appeared on Radio 4’s Today programme this morning to discuss why Croatia wanted to join the European Union. (from 2:43)
- Peter Sanfey told CNBC that Croatia’s accession will offer opportunities for business and foreign investment on CNBC.
- Peter Sanfey told Reuters that we should be allowed a “bit of optimism” regarding Croatia’s entry to the EU and that its accession will offer “medium to long-term benefits” for the country and the EU.
- Erik Berglof, chief economist of the EBRD, and Peter Sanfey wrote in beyondbrics last week that Croatia can avoid the pitfalls of new EU membership by learning from the lessons of previous entrants.
The EBRD has financed 152 projects in Croatia thus far, and the Bank expects to invest a further €230 million this year. The continuation of the prudent economic policies and an accelerated implementation of the reform agenda are essential conditions for Croatia to make full use of the accession opportunities and the EBRD stands ready to assist it in this direction.