"I expressed my regrets at the decision of the (Croatian) parliament to declare unilaterally an ecological and fishing zone in the Adriatic sea," EU Commission President Romano Prodi said after a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan.

"Unilateral decisions always lead to difficulties, so I urge (Croatia) to start an open dialogue with its neighbours."

The Croatian parliament approved the creation of the zone Saturday by 70 votes to 44 after the government dropped plans for an exclusive economic zone in the face of protests from neighbouring Slovenia.

With the creation of the zone, to come into force in a year's time, Croatia will extend its jurisdiction into the Adriatic Sea, particularly in respect of fishing issues.

Slovenia had strongly opposed Croatia's plans to declare an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic because it would leave the country without direct access to international shipping waters.

Slovenia's government had even threatened to oppose Croatia's bid to join the European Union if the plan was implemented.

"It is only logical that (Croatia) wants to and needs to protect its coast and its 1,000 islands," Racan told a news conference. ""We know that the area is a most vulnerable one," he added.

"There is one year to talk with our neigbours to try and find a solution how we can implement it and how we can jointly act to preserve the area."

Racan promised the Commission that Croatia was determined to cooperate with the International War Crimes Tribunal at The Hague. It has been alleged by Britain and the Netherlands, among others, that Zagreb has been dragging its feet in the hunt for General Ante Gotovina, wanted for trial by the court, who has been on the run since 2001.

"This government has been and continues to be determined to cooperate with the Hague tribunal," Racan claimed.

"At the same time, we expect not to be criticised for things we are not guilty of."

Prodi said that cooperation with the court was essential if the EU were to give the green light next year to a Croatian bid for membership.

TERRA.WIRE