EC initiates consultations on sanctions against Croatia

The European Commission on Wednesday initiated consultations with European Union member-states to activate a safeguard clause, envisaged by Article 39 of Croatia's EU accession treaty, over Croatia's failure to align its European Arrest Warrant legislation with the acquis communautaire. The EU countries now have 10 days to take a stand on the matter, after which sanctions on Croatia will be defined, unless Croatia brings its national legislation on the EAW in accord with the acquis in the meantime. The views of the member states are not binding on the Commission, because under the accession treaty the Commission is responsible for activating the safeguard clause. The Commission is proposing "enhanced monitoring and the suspension" of funds for Croatia's preparations for entry into the Schengen passport-free area. more