12 observers from Croatia, set to be the 28th EU Member Atate, join MEPs for their April plenary session.

Croatians on a learning curve

It was a big moment.  12 politicians from Croatia,

the country set to be  the EU’s 28th Member State,

attending a session of  the Parliament as observers.

They have things they want to achieve  and seemed pleased to be there.

Excellent! It is a historical moment  for all of us, for this group of observers.

I believe there is an alternative  to the free market

Not all had much time to speak. Senior  MEPs were keen to make them welcome.

I think it’s an important step  in Croatia’s accession to the EU

and I think it’s thrilling.  It’s a good aim.

I’m very glad.  I welcome my colleagues.

I hope for a fruitful  and constructive co-operation.

Day two and the working week  begins in earnest.

Tonino Picula arrives at the Parliament  and makes his way to his new office.

Actually, it’s beginning about  one minute from now.

Observers can watch debates  but not take part.

In committees they can,  but they don’t have a vote.

They’re not paid nor do they get allowances,  just out-of-pocket expenses.

Much of the time  is spent learning the ropes.

Debates in the European Parliament,  conducted in 23 languages,

can seem very different  to those back home.

Croatia still has work to do  on its judicial system

and ending state subsidies  to its shipyards before joining.

But at the European Parliament,  they were among kindred spirits.

I've found here,  around these corridors and halls,

so many people I met first  during the last 20 years,

and now they’re all here,  with all his or her experience.

Once Croatia’s accession has been ratified  in all 27 existing Member States,

Croatia will have 12 MEPs of its own,  able to participate fully,

and bringing the total number to 763  until the next European elections in 2014.

Accession is still on schedule for next year.