[ Ссылка ] Croatia is set to become the 28th member of the European union in July 2013.
The ex-Yugoslav state was rewarded with the membership following deep economic and democratic reforms.
EU politicians hope Croatia's membership will persuade other countries in the Balkans that reforms pay off, and will accelerate democratic transition in the region which was torn by ethnic wars in the 1990's.
The Croatian President says he's proud of the achievement.:
