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Croatia’s Path to EU Membership

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Croatia declared independence and became a democratic republic on 25 June 1991, after being part of Yugoslavia for most of the 20th century. Following a decade of transition, Croatia’s path to EU membership was marked by significant progress in institution-building, economic reforms, and democratic consolidation.

Key Milestones

  • 2000: Croatia adopts a new constitution that enshrines human rights and the rule of law.
  • 2003: The European Commission launches accession talks with Croatia, marking the country’s official bid to join the EU.
  • 2012: Croatia signs an association agreement with the EU, paving the way for its membership.
  • 1 July 2013: Croatia becomes the 28th member state of the European Union.

Regulatory Policy and Governance Reforms

Throughout this period, Croatia has undergone significant reforms aimed at strengthening its institutions, improving governance, and promoting economic growth. However, challenges persist in areas such as corruption, organized crime, and public administration, which continue to hinder investment, economic growth, and well-being.

Adoption of EU-Compliant Legislation

In terms of regulatory policy, Croatia’s path to EU membership involved adopting a comprehensive package of legislation that meets EU standards and requirements. This included the development of a new regulatory framework for competition law, consumer protection, and intellectual property rights, as well as reforms aimed at strengthening public administration and enhancing transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.

Public Procurement Law

The adoption of the 2014 Public Procurement Law represents another key step forward in this context, which has facilitated greater openness and competition in procurement procedures. This legislative reform aims to reduce corruption risks by introducing a system of electronic procurement based on transparent rules that promote fair competition among bidders.

Ongoing Challenges

While significant progress has been made in terms of regulatory policy and governance reforms, challenges persist in areas such as the ongoing struggle with corruption, public administration effectiveness, and economic growth. Addressing these challenges will be crucial to ensuring continued economic development and well-being for Croatian citizens.