By Greg Hall
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe
LONDON, England – After six years, Croatia has finally satisfied the requirements to be admitted into the European Union. Croatia’s bid was slowed by its past failures to cooperate fully in the prosecution of war criminals.
The president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, said he was proposing completion of negotiations with Croatia, signifying that it had met the European Union’s requirements in a total of thirty-five policy areas. “This paves the way for Croatia to join the EU as the 28th member state as of 1 July 2013.” EU leaders are expected to approve accession at a summit on June 23-24.
Croatian people would have sought membership in the European Union much earlier than now. However, before Croatia could begin its bid, it needed approval from then chief prosecutor for the United Nations Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Thus, from the beginning, proceedings from The Hague had a direct impact on Croatia’s accession to the European Union.
For Croatians, this was not an easy accomplishment. Many Croatians viewed previous military leaders and politicians as heroes because they fought for their country, despite the allegations against them .
General Ante Gotovina was arrested in 2005 for crimes against humanity and sentenced to twenty-four years in prison for his involvement in the country’s war for independence. Gotovina’s extradition and conviction lessened Croatian support for joining the European Union from 53 percent to 44 percent. Currently, Croatian support is up to 50 percent but expected to increase with Pope Benedict’s recent show of support.
Croatia recently indicted another former senior interior ministry official on Thursday, Tomislav Mercep, who has been charged with war crimes against Serb civilians at the beginning of the country’s independence war.
Though not all Croatians support accession, Croatia will likely be better off complying with the EU’s admission standards. Finland, like Croatia, had its doubts when it first joined. Finland’s approval rate of being part of the EU is now over 70%.
Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Domagoj Milosevic, believes that joining the EU will significantly help the economy. Other Croatians believe membership is a natural fit as they see themselves as part of “Western civilization.”
The international community supports Croatia’s accession. British Prime Minister David Cameron, said it was a “historic day.’’
“Croatia, in my view, belongs in the European Union,’’ he said.
For more information, please see:
Pakistan Observer – Croatia Charges Former War Criminal With War Crimes – 10 June 2011
New York Times – Croatia Given Conditional Approval to Join EU in 2013– 10 June 2011
Deutsche Welle – Between Apathy and Euphoria: Croatia’s Path to the EU – 10 June 2011
BBC – Croatia Cleared for EU Membership in 2013 – 10 June 2011
