Croatia would like to join its efforts for entering the European Union (EU) with Bulgaria and Romania, Mate Granic, Chief of Croatia's parliamentary commission for Euro-integration and former foreign minister told the Bulgarian National Radio Monday.

Croatia could benefit from Bulgaria's progress and experience in EU-membership negotiations, Granic explained. He also expressed optimism about Croatia's chance to close pre-accession negotiations by 2006.

In June 2003 presidents of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey signed a joint declaration to strengthen security and stability in the region and develop economic and trade partnership. The move came as part of the three countries' efforts to speed up their progress en route to EU-membership.