Croatia may conclude EU entry talks in 2010

Croatia could wrap up entry talks with the European Union next year but other hopefuls including Turkey have a lot more to do, the bloc's executive arm said.

An annual progress report by the European Commission criticised would-be members over corruption, weak courts and other shortcomings, making it clear it will take many years before the bulk of them can join the now 27-country EU.

"If Croatia meets all outstanding benchmarks in time, the accession negotiations could be concluded next year," the Commission said in a statement.

It said Turkey needed to step up political and economic reforms, improve the rights of minorities, women and trade unions as well as normalising relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

It urged Turkey to treat media group Dogan Yayin fairly in a tax dispute as the issue may affect freedom of the press in the country.

The Commission said other EU hopefuls -- Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Kosovo -- were making uneven progress towards membership, although Serbia had a strong administrative ability to push ahead with reforms.