Mediation in the Slovenian-Croatian border dispute

EU Expansion Commissioner Olli Rehn has offered to mediate in the border dispute between Slovenia and Croatia and pointed out that the conflict has become a problem for all of Europe. The daily Večer is sceptical about whether this mediation will help to resolve the dispute. "Until only recently the European Commission saw the Slovenian-Croat conflict over Croatia's EU membership talks as the rebellious conduct of two Balkan states, but following the visit of EU expansion commissioner Olli Rehn it looks like the Commission is going to declare the border conflict a serious problem affecting the national interests of an EU member state and a membership candidate. This is why the EU Commission, which wants to see Croatia join the EU as soon as possible, has obviously rolled up its sleeves and wants to get down to work. ... It's difficult to say at present whether this will represent a breakthrough for Slovenian diplomacy. It looks like Croatia is not too happy about the European Commission's offer to mediate."

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