Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Croatia is signing its long-awaited accession treaty that will bring it into the European Union in 2013 after ratification by the legislatures of the bloc's 27 member nations.
EU president Herman Van Rompuy welcomed the move, saying Croatia will be an "active observer" in all EU forums until it becomes a full member.
Croatia's entry talks lasted seven years and were held up repeatedly due to territorial disputes with neighbouring Slovenia and demands that it arrest remaining war crimes suspects.
Officials said EU leaders may postpone making Serbia a candidate for the bloc until their next summit in March.
The officials said Montenegro was likely to receive the green light to open accession negotiations next June.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments