Croatia: An Expanding Learning Curve
The expectations of Croat citizens are modest since the country entered the EU in the midst of the financial crisis and the popular feeling is one of cautious optimism. The membership serves as a catalyst for the creation of national identity as one rooted in the West. It should also boost growth in the country, which Croatia is only starting to see having entered the EU in the midst of the crisis.
Croatia sees its capacity to influence EU policy making as limited. However, it shows willingness to deepen integration and to play its role in certain policies, in particular vis-à-vis enlargement. Widening the EU in the Western Balkans is seen as a key national interest to facilitate peace and prosperity in the region.
Education and mobility are two important elements to develop a European public sphere along with more common actions, rules and debates at the European level. A focus on the youth would be particularly welcome in Croatia.
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Croatia: An Expanding Learning Curve
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