Croatia has been part of the European Union for seven years. In 2013. majority of Croatian citizens say yes to EU referendum, which became one of the most important events in its modern history. I would say the most important after the independence referendum in 1990.
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What did EU bring to Croatia
One of the most important things that EU brought to us here in Croatia is raising renown of the country in the world.
The region to which Croatia belongs, Balkan, has been known as an unpredictable and unstable territory. This region is the scene of numerous instabilities and wars in the 20th century. That's why it was used to be (for some still today) called a "barrel of gunpowder".
Since becoming a member, Croatia has been recognized as a factor of stability, and integration of the Balkan countries into the Western European world. Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and other countries are expected to follow the same path Croatia did few years ago.
Accession to the European Union was a painful process for Croatia; a society accustomed to corruption had to transform and get used to the rule of law. Accustomed to the socialist way of thinking, Croats had to adapt to the new system of private property and social inequalities. That process is still ongoing today, and still painful for many.
European Union brought a notable amount of money to Croatia, mainly through European funds. In this way, EU financed may strategically important projects like Sibenik Fortresses and the Pelješac Bridge, which is supposed to solve the territory division problem.
What is the future of Croatia in EU
Having numerous challenges of all kinds, European Union needs to strengthen the integration of member states, so that together they can act stronger in global circumstances and global market. Croatia takes part in this process, just like other states. I believe it's the only way European Union can survive, and stay relevant in the world.