Croatia's economic stability should take priority for Slovenia

After the surprising resignation of Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader on Wednesday the daily Delo writes that revitalising the economy in Croatia is more important for Slovenia than fixing the maritime border between the two states: "Croatia's accession talks with the EU and the longstanding dispute over the maritime border with Slovenia will certainly be put on the back burner now in Zagreb. Nevertheless, with the renewed increase in popularity of the extreme right-wing nationalist faction of the governing party ... it can hardly be expected that the government will change its position. Perhaps Slovenia's blockade of Croatian accession talks with the EU was even useful, because the Croatian government will now have to look into its own affairs. But the economic consolidation of Croatia is far more important for Slovenia than fixing the maritime border between our countries. Croatia is fifth on the list of our most important trade partners, and many a Slovenian worker could soon feel the difficulties of our neighbours in their wallets."

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