The country has become the 28th member state of the European Union after a decade’s wait.
The BBC reported on Croatia’s accession to the EU, which took place at midnight, with crowds celebrating the event in the capital city of Zagreb. President Ivo Josipovic described the country’s joining as “historic”, particularly coming two decades after the nation’s war of independence in the break-up of the former Yugoslavia.
On a negative note, the eurozone’s financial crisis has combined with Croatia’s own financial issues to “dampen enthusiasm” among many in the country on joining the European Union. The BBC related that “many Croatians [are] ambivalent about membership”, and others are noting the plight of Bulgaria as an EU member, with some even admitting “they no longer cared” due to the decade-long wait to become a member.
However, many are enthusiastic about joining the EU, with some pointing out that those “whose lives or businesses involve crossing borders” will enjoy a reduction in paperwork and hassle”. Despite one in five people being unemployed in a population of 4.4 million, two-thirds of voters favoured joining the EU last year, and worries over corruption and organised crime are tempered by Croatia not yet joining the Euro.
Josipovic added: “This is a great and joyful day for our homeland. This is the day when we open a new chapter in the thick book of our history. The accession of Croatia to the European Union is confirmation that each one of us belongs to the European democratic and cultural set of values.”
The Recycler’s David Connett commented on Croatia joining the European Union with the following message to companies based in Croatia:
“Dear Colleagues:
“Croatia becomes the 28th nation to join the European Union today and I would like to express my congratulations on your membership of the world’s largest trading block and what is, for me, a great place to live and work.
“What does joining the European Union mean for you, your families and your business? We would like to hear your thoughts, views and opinions about membership today and what you hope to gain from your membership and what you think Croatia can contribute.
“Please send your responses to news@therecycler.com and please include a picture if possible we will write an article for our next issue of the magazine.”