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Croatia Battles Organized Crime Amid Economic Challenges

Despite being a party to all relevant international treaties and conventions on organized crime, Croatia continues to grapple with the issue.

Law Enforcement Framework

The country has established a robust law enforcement framework, including specialized units and agencies dedicated to combating corruption and organized crime. However, implementation of legal mechanisms remains problematic, and trust in the judicial system is at an all-time low across the European Union.

Border Control and Migration Issues

Croatia’s border control has also come under scrutiny due to reports of brutal treatment of migrants by border police. The country’s porous borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be vulnerable to trafficking flows, and the ongoing migrant crisis has put a strain on border control.

Economic Challenges

The economy is another area of concern, with financial and economic crimes posing a significant challenge for the government. Despite implementing reforms, the regulatory environment remains burdensome and inefficient, making it conducive to money laundering.

Progress Made

However, Croatia has made progress in other areas. The country has established an anti-money laundering office and has implemented measures to prevent human trafficking. A national team is working on prevention efforts, and cooperation exists between prisons, social services, police, probation offices, and NGOs.

Challenges for Civil Society

Civil society organizations have reported a deterioration of their environment over the past few years, with limitations on association, criminalization of humanitarian support, and exclusion from public consultations. Freedom of the media remains a concern, with journalists investigating corruption and organized crime facing harassment, threats, and physical attacks.

Steps Towards Strengthening Institutions

Despite these challenges, Croatia has taken steps to strengthen its institutions. The country joined the eurozone in January 2023 and has implemented reforms to improve regulatory policy. However, ongoing economic challenges and conflicts in Ukraine have presented significant obstacles for the government.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Croatia has made progress in combating organized crime, it faces significant challenges in implementing legal mechanisms and addressing corruption within its institutions. The country’s economy remains a concern, and civil society organizations continue to face restrictions on their activities.