Washington, DC -- Today, Rep. Eliot L. Engel, a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Europe Subcommittee, commended the European Union for its decision to make Croatia the European Union’s 28^th member, and to hold back Serbia from gaining candidate status because of its obstructionist policies toward Kosova.

“I commend my friends in the European Union for a wise decision today inviting Croatia to be the EU’s 28^th member state, and congratulate my friends in Croatia,” said Rep. Engel.

“While I don’t oppose Serbia’s eventual membership in the EU, Brussels was wise to put the brakes on Belgrade’s candidacy because of its obstructionist approach on Kosova.  The sooner Serbia comes to grips with Kosova’s independence and sovereignty, the better it will be for Serbia, Kosova, and the entire region.  Serbia simply should not be allowed into the EU until Kosova is resolved, and it must not be permitted to block Kosova’s future EU candidacy.  In the end, membership of all Balkan countries in the EU will be the best way to ensure the peace and prosperity of people throughout the entire region,” said Rep. Engel.

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