Strasbourg, 19/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - At the referendum on Sunday 22 January, Croatian citizens are expected to support their country's accession to the EU.
According to the latest polls, 55% are expected to cast a yes vote. In early January, nearly 60% of Croats had stated their intention to go to the urns. For the referendum to be valid, a simple majority is needed, whether for the yes or for the no vote, whatever the turnout.
But a yes vote would also be a vote for pragmatism. Croats hope to join the EU in order to conclude the work after so much effort made and as their country is too small to remain isolated. Their pro-European enthusiasm has waned over time due to the difficult criteria imposed by the EU, but also because of the EU's current crisis. The country's Serb minority, which represents 4.5% of the 4.2 million inhabitants, is also in favour of EU membership, as it sees this as a guarantee that their rights will be respected. Joining the EU will make an additional department available to the Serbs to ensure their rights are defended, explained Nikola Arbutina, the Mayor of Dvor where Serbs are in the majority.
The referendum will put an end to a government campaign in favour of the “yes” vote, a campaign that has cost over €600,000. The ruling left wing, like the leaders of the Conservative opposition, support accession, affirming that the referendum was the “Millennium decision” and that it concerned the country's “economic survival”. The Catholic Church has also encouraged its faithful flock, which makes up 90% of the population, to vote in favour of accession. Eurosceptics, who warn against the “loss of sovereignty” have not rallied the masses during their latest campaign events.
If the Croats vote for entry to the EU, they will still have to wait for approval by the 27 member states that are to ratify the treaty, either through their parliaments or by referendum. Croatia's entry to the EU, which is still subject to reforms requested by the EU being carried out, is foreseen for 1st July 2013. Croatia is then likely to become the 28th member state of the EU. (CG/transl.jl)