Speaking about Turkish accession, EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele told the European Parliament that there were "frustrations... on both sides".

BBC: Serbia recommended for EU candidate status

Mr Fuele praised Croatia's delivery on various EU requirements, calling it "a good example for the rest of the region as it moves closer to the EU".

BBC: EU backs Croatia to join in July as 28th member state

"We are confident that Croatia will be ready to join the EU on 1 July 2013, " EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said after talks in the Croatian capital Zagreb on Tuesday.

BBC: EU backs Croatia to join in July as 28th member state