Vanjski pojas Republike Hrvatske
The contiguous zone of the Republic of Croatia

Summary/Abstract: This paper analyses the international legal regulation of contiguous zone and its implementation in practice of the states through the prism of the interests of the Republic of Croatia, which has not yet proclaimed this zone. By 2010 contiguous zones have been established by eighty five states, among which are fourteen member states of the European Union. In accordance with articles 33 and 303 of the 1982 Convention, in its future contiguous zone Croatia may exercise the control necessary to prevent and punish infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary regulations committed within its land territory, internal waters and territorial sea. In the boundaries of this zone, which could encompass the area of 14 272 square km, Croatia would also gain the rights concerning protection of archaeological and historical objects found at sea, including punishment for their unauthorized removal from the sea-bed within its internal waters, territorial sea and contiguous zone. In favour of the establishment of Croatian contiguous zone there are also emphasized the provisions of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, which Croatia ratified among the first in the world. In accordance with article 8 of this convention, states parties may regulate and authorize activities directed at underwater cultural heritage within their contiguous zone. Due to protection of valuable underwater archaeological sites located beyond the limit of territorial sea, as well as better protection of Croatian interests in all four areas provided by¸ article 33(1) of 1982 Convention, it is proposed that Croatian contiguous zone be proclaimed as soon as possible.

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