THE 28 VISIONS OF EUROPE: VIEW FROM CROATIA

"Croatia wants the process of Europeanization to continue and expand so as to include the countries in its neighbourhood which all, without exception, want to become members of the European Union and to which the EU itself offered prospects for membership. Further enlargement to the countries of the Western Balkans is Croatia’s strategic interest. Croatia believes that the process of Europeanization is at the same time the best guarantee of stability, democratic character and peace in the Balkans. Just as this process helped Croatia fully devote itself to building its own society, it will have the same effects on other countries of the region too.

Croatia’s interest in the stable development of the Western Balkans arises from the fact that this area has strategic importance for its security and Europe’s stability. Also, this is the area where its business interests lie, where it wants to invest and further develop its commercial ties. For Croatia, the Western Balkans is an area of important social capital. Croatia has many have friends and relatives in these countries. This is a significant potential for developing political relations.

In European Union today there is a lot of talk that after Croatia there will be a considerable pause in the enlargement process. Croatia believes this would be a very wrong decision. Croatia’s vision of Europe includes all those who wish to build a common future with EU Member States and show that they are willing and prepared to consolidate democracy in their countries in order to become an active and constructive partner within the European Union. Croatia is at the disposal of all its neighbours who want its cooperation to achieve this goal.

« Our vision of Europe implies inclusion rather than exclusion. Europe should not end at our borders. These borders are too long to be turned into some new “Great Wall of China” between us and our neighbours. In this sense, our reasons may be a bit “selfish” too. We do not wish to become a “country - border”. In this context, Croatia sincerely advocates further EU enlargement. In a Europe confronted with a crisis and problems, the enlargement of the European Union is seldom good news. It shows that the project of a European community remains attractive and beneficial for many. Today, many speak of “enlargement fatigue” and of “Europe’s failure”. However, if you look at what has happened in Europe over the last 20 years, you will see deep and successful changes. Enlargement policy has been one of the most successful European policies. Look at Poland, Slovakia or the Baltic states. Europe is changing for the better. After all, the accession of Croatia to the EU shows it. We are not bringing some magic formula for the resolution of European problems, or some special skills other Europeans have not seen yet. We are just an ordinary, normal European country, facing all the problems that other face too. Our intention and desire is to be a constructive participant in the process of overcoming the crisis and in the further development of the European Union.”