Croats say resounding 'yes' to EU membership

In a joint message, Commission President José Manuel Barroso and European Council President Van Rompuy welcomed the referendum results, stating that Croatia's citizens had given their endorsement to European integration.

"We congratulate Croatia and its people on their choice: EU membership will open up new opportunities for them and help secure the stability and prosperity of their nation.

"With this popular mandate, the Croatian government can now complete the remaining preparations for membership. We are looking forward to a smooth ratification process by the Croatian Parliament as well as by the Parliaments of all EU Member States, so that Croatia can become the Union's 28th member on 1 July 2013.

"The upcoming accession of Croatia sends a clear signal to the whole region of South Eastern Europe. It shows that through political courage and determined reforms, EU membership is within reach. Today's positive vote is therefore good news for Croatia, good news for the region, and good news for Europe."

The foreign affairs spokesperson of the European parliament Green/EFA group, Franziska Brantner, said the vote would strengthen modernising forces in neighbouring countries and contribute to stability in the region. She however regretted that the referendum was scheduled on short notice and that a broad debate did not take place.

"The public debate over recent weeks about EU accession was good for Croatia and strengthened the democratic legitimacy of the accession process. It is regrettable, however, that the Croatian government scheduled the referendum at such short notice, so that the room for public debate was not as broad as it could have been. It is therefore all the more important that the continuing EU-related reform process is carried out in a more transparent manner and with more civil society participation.

"For Croatia's government, the vote should also serve as catalyst for speedily tackling outstanding reforms, in particular in the fields of justice reform, anti-corruption reforms, minority protection and the domestic prosecution of war crimes. The Greens will continue to call for thorough monitoring of Croatia's reform process by the European Commission and the European Parliament."

JEF, the Young European Federalists, said there was "no doubts" on support of Croatia's accession to the EU, even if lately the opponents of the idea "raised a lot of noise".

"We believe it is time for Croatia to take part in European Union issues and accomplishment of common goals," said Marko Boko, president of JEF Croatia.

"We are all aware that the circumstances in which Croatia is approaching the EU is not ideal. … This is the reason why unity, cooperation and what we – young European federalist believe in the most – the voice and rights of every citizen are important,“ said Pauline Gessant, president of JEF Europe.

Joseph Daul MEP, chairman of the EPP group said that the Croatian people have shown "that the ideas and the foundations on which the EU was built still strongly resonate."

"It is a lesson for all of us to remember that in these times of crisis, Europe is the answer. I am looking forward to seeing our Croatian colleagues take their place beside us."

Gunnar Hökmark MEP,Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group and Chairman of the European Parliament's Joint Parliamentary Committee for Croatia said: "Today is a good day for all Europeans".

"Croatian membership will enhance the possibilities for the European Union to contribute to a stable and prosperous development in the Western Balkans, providing all citizens with the same opportunities as all other Europeans within the European Union."