Positive for Croatia, positive for the EU. At this time of obvious difficulties for political Europe, Croatia's request for accession represents something positive. Positive for the EU, positive for Croatia. This country appears to have understood the essential, namely, that economic development has never been the priority goal of European integration. It is obviously not absent but it could have been achieved without the supranational institutions or transfers of power. The initial priority was reconciliation between the countries that had just torn themselves apart in a horrendous war, and the aim of ending vengeful nationalism, hatred and bitterness. At the same time, for countries that had known dictatorial regimes that were sometimes horrible, the aspiration was to conquer and consolidate freedom and democracy on a lasting basis. The countries of the former Yugoslavia did not appear to have understood, as they continued to stir up ethnic rivalries and make territorial demands and although they sought to join the EU, it was for consolidating their position in relation to neighbouring countries (and for obtaining material support). Slovenia overtook this stage pretty quickly and next year will be in the EU. After having known a dictatorial regime that was both bloody and vengeful, Croatia set itself a course towards freedom and democracy and put an end to disputes with neighbouring countries, with whom it is now prepared to cooperate. It believe that it now fulfils the conditions to join the Union.
Why is this development positive for the EU as well? The reason is certainly not due to its goal of growing; dimensions do not represent an objective in themselves and it's not through lack of candidates. The reason is that the EU thus confirms its irreplaceable role for determining or at least accelerating the distribution of freedom and democracy. We have seen in Central and Eastern Europe with a certain number of countries seeking to fulfil the "Copenhagen criteria" and subsequently radically accelerating reforms and the solution to the sensitive and secular problems involving borders and respect for minority rights. Currently, the whole region satisfies the conditions for joining Europe - this is already a fact for 2004 (and for two more countries in 2007). Croatia has carried out reforms itself at first but the goal of becoming a member of the EU has certainly increased its efforts and the feeling of urgency. Its own experience will be exemplary to other countries, as well as those that consider that they are heading down the right road (Macedonia) and those that still have a long way to go, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania.
Still quite a way to go. Nevertheless, we shouldn't kid ourselves that the road ahead will be easy. The European Commission is planning on a year for providing an opinion on Croatia's accession and it will first be necessary for the Council to request this opinion. There are now hardly any countries that are loath or hesitant about "full and total" cooperation from Croatia with (ICTY) International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, in charge of pursuing war crimes in the region. Tonino Picula, Croat Minister of Foreign Affairs, indicated in meetings in Brussels and addressing the press that this task was "97% accomplished", the case of the two generas on the run are still open (see our bulletin of 25 February p 7). Is it still due to this delay that Parliaments from several Member States have not yet ratified the EU/Croatia Stabilisation and Association Agreement signed in October 2001? Another political obstacle involves the return, still incomplete, of Serb refugees. But on this point, Mr Picula also provided assurances: 300, 000 refugees have come back, 100, 000 of whom are Serbs. Croatia also figures among the signatories of the Vilnius position in the Iraq saga; but how can this newcomer be reproached, given the number of signatories of this document or a similar document signed by countries linked by the Maastricht Treaty?
The Economic evidence. Beyond specific cases, the President of the Croat Republic, Stipe Mesic, has explained the reasons for accession. The European nature of his country is in no doubt: geography and history are there. Croatia represents, "the Mediterranean façade of Central Europe", which is on the point of becoming part of the Union. Mass support for accession is almost unanimous and is not dependent on party politics or government or opposition. The new constitutional law guarantees minority rights according to the most demanding of European standards. Croatia's accession will expand the security area and prosperity towards South-East Europe, as well as encourage other countries to follow its example. Despite some delays and scale of corruption (lower than that of its neighbouring countries), the economic reasons are obvious: two thirds of trade is already with EU countries, which are also its main investors.
Croatia's accession to the EU simply signifies its return to its roots. (F.R.)