Slovenia has hit back at Croatia's protests against the proposed declaration of an ecological zone and continental shelf in the Adriatic, and the allegations that the move constitutes a land-grab attempt. PM Janez Jansa said on Saturday, 27 August, that this was neither a land grab nor the setting for a new conflict, but a legitimate act based on the Slovenian maritime code.
As a follow-up, on Friday, 2 September, the Foreign Ministry issued a diplomatic note rejecting Croatia's claims that the appropriate law will have no legal effect. It said the proposed zone was outside Croatia's territorial waters, so its declaration does not encroach upon Croatia's territorial seas or run contrary to international law. Croatia continues to dispute Slovenia's move: FM Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic told the European Parliament on Tuesday, 30 August, that the zone would be located adjacent to Croatia's territorial sea and hence runs contrary to international law. However, she also said Croatia wants to resolve open issues through dialogue; if that is not successful, binding international arbitration should be sought. In the meantime, Slovenian officials have expressed unyielding support for Croatia's bid to start membership talks with the EU. At an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, FM Dimitrij Rupel reiterated Slovenia's stance, hopeful that talks could start in September. Meanwhile, PM Jansa joined seven EU counterparts in urging the UK to push for the start of membership negotiations.
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