23 Jan 2012

Croatians vote for EU membership

3:42 pm on 23 January 2012

Croatians have voted by two to one to join the European Union.

President Ivo Josipovic says he welcomes the result but fears of those who voted against joining must be recognised.

Officials have expressed disappointment at the low turnout for the poll of about 44% of voters.

All major Croatian political parties campaigned in favour of EU membership, arguing it will anchor democracy and bolster Croatia's economy but opponents say it will dilute national sovereignty.

Croatia signed an EU accession treaty in 2011 and the BBC says it should join in July 2013, once all 27 existing members of the union have ratified the deal.