(Ir)relevance of Croatian Experience for Further EU Enlargement

Croatia's experience of the EU accession and that of its six-year membership is only partially relevant for the Western Balkans' EU enlargement. This is contrary to the official narrative used by the European Commission and Croatian officials. The Commission explains that Croatia's accession attests that the whole of the Western Balkans can one day join the EU. Moreover, Croatia says that EU enlargement in the Western Balkans is in its national interest. However, liberal regression in Croatia shows why in future enlargements more emphasis needs to be placed on entrenchment of liberal values. Croatia advocates enlargement, but its capacity to influence the EU or its will to constructively contribute to progress in the Western Balkan are limited.