Abstract

The analysis explores to what extent the Croatian adaptation to European norms and conducts is still in progress. It also points out contradictions and resistance expressed by significant components of society. In particular, the author refers here to the Perković affair, the persistence of ethnic hatred and homophobia, the reactionary role of the Catholic Church, the effects of the economic crisis and the limits of the EU’s transformative capacity once a State has become a member of the EU. In the end, the analysis stresses how the problems of Croatian society, which are still unsettled, cannot be connected only to the recent war/post-war historical legacies, as they also mirror the broader tensions and Europhobic trends that are shaking the EU.

Stefano Bianchini is Professor of East European History and Politics and International Coordinator of the MA MIREES (Master's in Interdisciplinary Research and Studies on Eastern Europe), University of Bologna-Forlì Campus.