Croatia Passes Turkey in EU Bid

Croatia's bid to join the EU is progressing smoothly, while Turkey has suffered a setback at the hands of the French.

Croatia began negotiation in six of the 35 policy areas they are required to address for EU membership. They are already in the process of meeting four and have completed two others. This leaves Croatia on pace to join the EU as early as 2009.

Turkey meanwhile was only able to begin negotiations on two new areas, which France blocking a third. They have only completed one area thus far.