Slovenia-Croatia border arbitration deal

Slovenia and Croatia have signed a border arbitration agreement, a step towards ending a nearly two-decade-old dispute that has held up Croatia’s bid to join the European Union. The two prime ministers signed the deal in Stockholm with the current EU presidency Sweden. Both countries say they will abide by the ruling of an international team.

The Slovenian leader, Borut Pahor, whose country has been an EU member since 2004, said: “Something good has happened today, that resolves problems… that can be an inspiration for the future. What a fantastic day!”

The land and sea border argument in the northern Adriatic dates from the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. Slovenia — between Italy and Croatia — wants direct access to international waters, which could require a concession from Croatia.

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tags: Borders, Croatia, Slovenia