Editorial

At a time when the economic and financial crisis, as well as numerous related social issues, are raising doubts as to the European Union’s values and future, re-starting the enlargement process with the expected accession of Croatia seems like a beacon of hope. This is especially true for the remaining candidate and potential candidate countries of Southeast Europe, but also for all those who truly believe in the European project.

Over the past decade, Croatia has undertaken substantial reforms and has become living proof of the transformative power of the EU enlargement process. The transformation was given accelerated dynamics by the confirmation of Croatia’s candidate country status in 2004, while the most challenging adventure was initiated with the opening of accession negotiations in October 2005. The changes required strong political will and hard work by a number of state bodies, but also continuous communication with civil society and various interest groups. In anticipation of the signature of the Accession Treaty by the end of 2011, it can be said without any doubt that Croatia today is very different from the country that signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU ten years ago. [...]
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Igor Vidačak