German Chancellor Angela Merkel refused today to say when Croatia could join the European Union (EU), after talks in Berlin with Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, dpa reported. "When the jointly agreed tasks have been fulfilled, membership will be possible," the chancellor said. Amongst other things, this included a solution to Croatia's disagreement with Slovenia over their common border. "We will then ensure with full might that Croatia can become a member," Merkel added. Kosor in turn said that Croatia was "confident we will be the 28th member," of the EU. The Balkan state hopes to join the EU by 2011. Merkel lauded Croatia's efforts to fight corruption, and thanked Kosor for Croatia's "brave policies" in response to the economic crisis. The chancellor also praised Croatia for its "key role," in helping to solve problems in Bosnia-Herzegovina and other neighbouring countries. Kosor announced the creation of a German-Croatian economic forum, to take place in Croatia later this year, and stressed the role of Germany as one of the country's main trading partners. Merkel said Germany wished to intensify its business relations with Croatia. Kosor was due to meet German Economics Minister Rainer Bruederle later in the day. Kosor also stressed Germany's importance as the largest annual group of visitors to the Mediterranean country. In 2009, Kosor said 1.5 million Germans visited Croatia - a figure she hoped would be topped in 2010.
