Croatia to join the EU

Croatia to join the EU in 2013 – How will it affect the traveller?

Croatia’s journey to be part of the European Union (EU) is now at its final hurdle. On June 10, 2011, the European Commission proposed to close negotiations to bring Croatia into the EU on July 13, 2013.

Talking about the negotiations, Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the Commission, “congratulated the Croatian authorities for all their hard work over the years,” and stated, “Today is a historic day for Croatia and the European Union.”

To join the EU a nation is required to fulfil the political and economic conditions known as the ‘Copenhagen Criteria’ that were instated during a summit in 1993. The main criterion is that a state has a stable democratic government that “respects the rule of law, and its corresponding freedoms and institutions.”

So what will joining the European Union mean for a country that, with its famed pristine beaches, ancient churches and stunningly diverse and unique natural beauty, has been described as being “Heaven on Earth”?

According to a report in the New Federalist, 44.6% of the population in Croatia support their country joining the EU, whilst 41.8% oppose it. The biggest hostility about the accession is made by Croatians who show their discontent with their country’s leaders as well as EU leaders, as well as the concerns that Croatia, in joining the EU, will lose its unique identity.

Although it could be argued that the benefits that becoming a member of the European Commission far outweigh the disadvantages, namely there will be an increase of the stability of the democratic system and safety of Croatia.

And what about for the humble yet devoted traveller to this beautiful country? For those visiting Croatia, its impending move into the EU will make life significantly easier. There will be no passwords or visas necessary, there will be a unification of the European laws we are already familiar with, services and infrastructure is likely to be improved, and there will be a tightening of cultural bonds with the rest of Europe.

Whether this sublimely beautiful country will lose some of its unique culture, heritage and beauty, we somehow doubt it.

Istria is possibly Croatia’s most beautiful region. If you seek a 3 bedroom villa in Istria with pool, Olivia (pictured) is a perfect option from the Vintage Travel portfolio.