engleski

Introduction

Today, when Croatia already became a member of the EU, there is a variety of issues that have to be considered in the context of what Croatian accession to EU means to the EU and vice versa, i.e. what and how EU and Croatia contribute to each other. In this sense, this book tries to discuss various aspects of this relationship, particularly those of impact of accession process on democratization of Croatian society and the state, considering very specific conditions of Croatian transition and the state-building processes. That impact, however, is neither unambiguous nor linear. During the long and arduous period of transition, Croatia had to meet significantly higher criteria than previous states with suspicion and concerns among existing members about further enlargement increasing. Meanwhile initially strong public support in Croatia declined as inconsistencies in EU policy, entry criteria and problems caused by the economic crisis all combined with fears about the loss of national identity and the ability to realize national interests. The successful Croatian accession to the EU in 2013 shows that, despite concerns on both sides, the EU continues to have meaning and significance and that membership remains highly desirable. The intention of this book, therefore, is to present selected aspects related to this topic through nine different, but mutually interrelated chapters. The joining of Croatia, especially at a delicate moment for European integrations, marked by crises, in this sense, is very instructive.

European Union ; accession process ; democratization ; transition ; enlargement policy ; euroskepticism ; development

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