Croatia: Europe Beckons

Croatia has entered a critical period in its membership negotiations with the European Union. Enmeshed in a screening process where its laws are subject to close scrutiny by the European Council, Croatia must demonstrate that they conform with the political criteria. While it has international backing, there are still several important obstacles to overcome. These include reassuring an increasingly sceptical public at home and tackling internal problems regarding the pace of refugee returns and reform of public institutions, above all the judiciary.