After a stormy debate the parliament approved creation of the zone by a vote of 70 to 44.

With the creation of the zone, to come into force in one year, Croatia will extend its jurisdiction into the Adriatic Sea, particularly with regard to fishing issues.

Slovenia had strongly opposed Croatia's plans to declare the 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.

Ljubljana had remained open to the idea of the creation of a marine conservation zone.

Croatia and Slovenia had disagreements about their border along the Adriatic coast after the two countries broke away from Yugoslavia in 1991.

TERRA.WIRE