Croatia has reached a decisive moment in its bid to join the European Union and could become a full member by 2013.

EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Tuesday he expects to have good news regarding Croatia's membership by Friday. Sources tell reporters Barroso will recommend that the issue be sent to EU states for a final decision.

Croatia hopes to be an EU member by 2013, eight years after starting its accession talks.

If successful, the Balkan country will be the 28th member of the European bloc.

EU leaders had been pressing the country to work on eradicating corruption and overhauling its judiciary system.