Welcome Croatia!

[Risottia]

Dobrodošli Hrvatska!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16106982

The EU countries have green-lighted Croatia for EU membership, effective from mid-2013. So, welcome Croatia as the 28th member of our family!
Still about the Balkan area, next year Montenegro is likely to receive official EU candidate status, and some chances are that Serbia will receive it, too.

I think this is an important step towards a permanent peace and the settlement of ancient rivalries in the Balkans. It will also help the Croatian economy by eliminating trade tarifs, and by building better infrastructures as the Croatian transportation network integrates fully with the European one.

So, what does NSG think about it? Good? Bad? Good idea but bad timing?

[Ifreann]

I hope this means an influx of Croatian liquor. Croatia has its own liquor, right?

[Baltenstein]

'sup, Cro. The buffet is in the reception hall, bathrooms are to your left. You might want to avoid the miffed blonde lady with the small husband and those needy looking Southerners for the time being though.

[Risottia]

I hope this means an influx of Croatian liquor. Croatia has its own liquor, right?

They do. Rakija (which is somewhat similar to grappa).

[Ifreann]

I hope this means an influx of Croatian liquor. Croatia has its own liquor, right?

They do. Rakija (which is somewhat similar to grappa).

Then I, for one, welcome them to the EU.

[Southern Patriots]

I'm sometimes surprised they'd want to join this troubled community. Then I remember the one they come from.

It will hardly be a permanent solution regarding peace. Those ancient rivalries are ancient for a reason. This is maybe a temporary reprieve for all sides involved with those rivalries to catch their breath.

[Aesthetica]

Bad idea and bad timing, the 27 have split over the Treaty reforms, so now it's looking more and more like 23.

Can Croatia step up to the plate, will it be another Greece, signing up for subsidies it will later regret asking for when it learns the price?

[Risottia]

Bad idea and bad timing, the 27 have split over the Treaty reforms, so now it's looking more and more like 23.

26 actually. The only country that's out is Britain.

[Risottia]

Those ancient rivalries are ancient for a reason.

So are the ones between France, Germany and Italy. More than 800 years of wars. So...

[Ifreann]

Bad idea and bad timing, the 27 have split over the Treaty reforms, so now it's looking more and more like 23.

26 actually. The only country that's out is Britain.

We'll probably vote no, regardless of what the government wants, so 25. Unless some manner of legal trickery is employed to get around that thing where we need to pass a referendum when the EU wants a treaty.

[Southern Patriots]

So are the ones between France, Germany and Italy. More than 800 years of wars. So...

So... not the same. Incredibly different cultures, values, social expectations, etc. It took the neutering and occupation of Germany for nearly 50 years to diminish those rivalries. Not going to hold my breath because Croatia signs some papers.

[Risottia]

26 actually. The only country that's out is Britain.

We'll probably vote no, regardless of what the government wants, so 25. Unless some manner of legal trickery is employed to get around that thing where we need to pass a referendum when the EU wants a treaty.

I don't know how much the Irish voters will be happy to reject a treaty basically made to save the PIIGS collective arses...

[Ifreann]

We'll probably vote no, regardless of what the government wants, so 25. Unless some manner of legal trickery is employed to get around that thing where we need to pass a referendum when the EU wants a treaty.

I don't know how much the Irish voters will be happy to reject a treaty basically made to save the PIIGS collective arses...

Oh, we always vote no the first time. It's tradition.

[Voerdeland]

Bad idea and bad timing, the 27 have split over the Treaty reforms, so now it's looking more and more like 23.

26 actually. The only country that's out is Britain.

+ Sweden, Czech Republic, and Hungary will have to consult their legislatures

[Cromarty]

26 actually. The only country that's out is Britain.

+ Sweden, Czech Republic, and Hungary will have to consult their legislatures

Hungary rejected the plan outright.

[Voerdeland]

+ Sweden, Czech Republic, and Hungary will have to consult their legislatures

Hungary rejected the plan outright.

Initially, yes. But I've read that Orban later decided to consult with the Hungarian parliament.

[New Embossia]

And so it spreads...

[Augustus Este]

Before everyone freaks out ,check the date listed:

effective from mid-2013.

Which means Croatia will have very little, if any, impact on the current crisis.

[Aesthetica]

Refusal to cut a deal means instead of a solid legally binding Eu Treaty that *might* have saved the Euro, they get a watered down voluntary "compact" that probably won't.

Screwing Britain was more important than saving the Euro, so now they fail at both objectives, because they wouldn't negotiate.

Good day for us, bad day for the Euro...

[Mike the Progressive]

Just as Croatia joins, the EU falls apart.

Freaking, Croatia. RIP grandma.

[Creeper Hugs]

Dobrodošli Hrvatska!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16106982

The EU countries have green-lighted Croatia for EU membership, effective from mid-2013. So, welcome Croatia as the 28th member of our family!
Still about the Balkan area, next year Montenegro is likely to receive official EU candidate status, and some chances are that Serbia will receive it, too.

I think this is an important step towards a permanent peace and the settlement of ancient rivalries in the Balkans. It will also help the Croatian economy by eliminating trade tarifs, and by building better infrastructures as the Croatian transportation network integrates fully with the European one.

So, what does NSG think about it? Good? Bad? Good idea but bad timing?

Not about Croatia, but I find it unlikely Serbia will get candidate status as most of the EU recognizes Kosovo, but good job Croatia!!!

[Thatius]

Woo! Go Croatia.

And Srbija!

[Aethelstania]

Hey Croatia you have arrived a little late to the party. Cram your pockets with Hors d'oeuvre's, Down as much champagne as you can, Go to the coats in the bedroom and check the pockets for cash, Exit quietly out the back window with the stereo. Be careful not to stand in Greece's chunder, Good luck !

[Serrland]

Can't you just trade Croatia for Greece?

[Rio Cana]

Would think they would hold back on allowing any new members into the EU. until this EU. economic mess is resolved.