Between EU Integration and Brain Drain. Croatia’s Challenges and New Opportunities in Light of the Euro Adoption and Schengen Area Accession
Between EU Integration and Brain Drain.Croatia’s Challenges and New Opportunities in Light of the Euro Adoption and Schengen Area Accession

Summary/Abstract: Croatia’s path towards EU integration can be regarded as a success story in the Balkans, following the country’s independence which was finalised in 1995 after a bloody four-year war. Since the year 2000, Croatia has undergone a remarkable reform process, stimulated by the conditions for accession to the EU. With Croatia’s EU Schengen area accession and introduction of the euro, both in January 2023, the country managed to fully integrate into the EU – only 10 years after its EU membership. Nevertheless, the country still faces a multitude of issues, such as the proper diversification of its economy and a declining population rate. This paper shall outline and analyse opportunities and challenges, stemming from Croatia’s new currency regime, Schengen area accession and brain drain. It will also explore the country’s new role as an “energy hub” for the Western Balkan region and the EU, following Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.

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