Croatia

Croatia is undertaking a steady progress towards full democratisation. The new leadership showed a clear change of attitude by in line with a democratic commitment. Reservations remain in relation to the specific issue of sustainability of the refugees' return process.

Within former Yugoslavia Croatia constituted one of the most affluent states with an economy based on an efficient industrial sector, a strong agricultural production and a flourishing tourist industry. After a decade of harsh recession, signs of recovery have been evident in the last few years.

After the break up of Yugoslavia a nationalist-led coalition has been ruling the newly born Republic of Croatia. Since 2000 a left-wing oriented coalition has taken the lead and started a more cooperative, internationally oriented and pro-European trend in the short history of the state.

The history of Croatia from the origins to the latest political developments that led to the independence from the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.