Croatia

Assessing Croatia's policy performance within the European Union

Croatia has recently been subjected to several severe trials: In addition to the ongoing Covid pandemic, which led to a sharp decline in the tourism sector, the country was also hit by two earthquakes in the course of a year.

Croatia has recently been subjected to several severe trials: In addition to the ongoing Covid pandemic, which led to a sharp decline in the tourism sector, the country was also hit by two earthquakes in the course of a year.

Although the country as a whole can be described as politically stable, a growing political disenchantment has been a topic of public discussion for years.

In the general satisfaction with life, which the statistical office of the European Union Eurostat measures every year for all EU countries, Croatia regularly occupies one of the lowest ranks. Continuing emigration, low birth rates and low voter turnout, especially among young people, are further indicators that document below-average trust in the political system and a lack of confidence.

30 years after the proclamation of independence on 25 June 1991 is a good time to present and take stock of the development that has taken place. This analysis by the renowned economist Daniel Hingst shows clearly and in detail how the path to the European Union and the eventual membership was for the country's development, full of hurdles, difficult but ultimately successful, and how the political institutions in the country also adapted and changed during this period.

"Although many things still need to be repaired and improved, Croatia has achieved much in geopolitical terms by becoming an EU Member State (as well as a NATO member). Had it not done so, Croatia would have been left under the significant influence of the authoritarian Russian regime. In this way, Croatia's example can help Serbia and other countries of the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership on their path towards (more) freedom and the EU".