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Croatian accession to the European Union: the challenges of participation
[collection article]
Corporate Editor
Institute of Public Finance, Zagreb
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Kroatien
Abstract This chapter summarizes the findings of the project of monitoring Croatian accession to the European Union. It draws particular attention to the challenges entailed in participation in the accession process and in relations with European countries, irrespective of Croatia's membership status. It tri... view more
This chapter summarizes the findings of the project of monitoring Croatian accession to the European Union. It draws particular attention to the challenges entailed in participation in the accession process and in relations with European countries, irrespective of Croatia's membership status. It tries to answer questions about: the place of Croatia in Europe; the problems of its economy; the nature of its political elite and the views of its citizens, and institutions' capacities to adapt to requirements of modern and open societies. Among the findings one could highlight: First, irrespective of the membership status, there are possibilities for Croatia to participate and even to try to act as leader in some fields (e.g. Adriatic Sea protection) and Croatian experts could participate in and contribute to the discussions of EU-relevant topics (e.g. European citizenship or communicating Europe). Second, high and stable distrust in the EU, rising unwillingness to join the EU and views concerning the EU that are more based on impressions than on utilitarian considerations might lead to a Croatian "no" to the EU in
the final moment of decision. However, if the benefits of reforms are reaped even without joining the EU, this does not have to be a disaster for the country, although it could be a serious setback for the political elite. Third, adaptation of the capabilities of Croatian institutions is
despite many improvements still the weakest spot. The progress of reforms has been limited and characterized by partiality, lack of strategies and still under strong political influences. The key words missing in almost all investigated fields are implementation, enforcement and action
plans. As the end of negotiations will more depend on the implementation than on the mere adoption of EU requirements, Croatia should turn to an "as soon as ready" instead of an "as soon as possible" policy.... view less
Keywords
EU; Croatia; administrative practice; political change; reform; public administration; political attitude; joining the European Union; European integration; economic change
Classification
International Relations, International Politics, Foreign Affairs, Development Policy
European Politics
Method
descriptive study
Free Keywords
European Union; Croatia; accession; reforms; administrative capacity; legal enforcement
Collection Title
Croatian accession to the European Union. Vol. 4, The challenges of participation
Editor
Ott, Katarina
Document language
English
Publication Year
2006
City
Zagreb
Page/Pages
p. 1-27
ISBN
978-953-6047-77-2
Status
Published Version; reviewed
Licence
Creative Commons - Attribution