Croatia´s Course of Action to Achieve EU Membership. ZEI Discussion Papers: 1999, C 59

[From the Introduction]. 1. Foreign policy orientation of the Republic of Croatia Working towards membership in the EU has been one of the main goals of Croatian foreign policy strategy ever since the country became independent and internationally recognised in 1991 and 1992. While firmly pursuing its Euro-Atlantic priorities vis-à-vis the EU and NATO in the 1990’s, Croatia was forced, for a number of complex reasons, to concentrate primarily on resolving domestic issues, i.e., defending itself from aggression, liberating the occupied territories, achieving territorial integrity and re-establishing authority over its entire territory. At the same time, Croatia supported efforts to achieve peace and stability in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina (B-H). The Croatian Government’s goal to adjust its institutions to those of the EU as quickly as possible is shared by the overwhelming majority of political parties in Croatia. Moreover, there is broad national consensus on the necessity to move closer to the EU. This includes economic, scientific and professional circles as well as representatives of civil groups