Diplomatic recognition of Croatia and Slovenia

Germany's recognition of Slovenia and Croatia on Dec 19, 1991 was seen as a major step in the peaceful solution of the crisis in Yugoslavia. The German initiative also sets the stage for its future involvement in European politics. On Jan 15, 1992, the 11 remaining EC countries also extended recognition to the two states. The Serbian-controlled Yugoslav government protested the EC move as an attempt to dissolve the federation but leaders of both Croatia and Slovenia hailed the EC decision.