Author: Gianna Hroncich

Freedoms, Compared.

November 21, 2018 / Gianna Hroncich / 1 Comment

In the 1990s, the development of a democratic media system in Croatia was slow as many media were under direct state influence and hate speech was very prevalent and supported by the state. This contrast the number of laws enacted across Europe that have gradually extended provision against racist expression in the 1990s (Bleich 22). Croatia did not experience such provisions and media regulation until the 2000s when Croatia tried to further harmonize its media legislation with European standards. However, in 2016, when a new right-wing party the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) entered the government and elected Zlatko Hasanbegovic as culture minister responsible for media policy, the media legislation that guaranteed freedom of expression during the 2000s began to worsen with political purges, such as Hasanbegovic firing 70 journalists, managers and technicians of HDZ in less than two months, and hate speech back on the rise again especially against minorities or diverse groups as a result of nationalist sentiment that has been provoked by the HDZ. This is similar to Jean-Marie Le Pen, a far-right nationalist, asserting his belief that races are unequal and promoting the use of hate and racist speeches against minorities and diverse groups. HDZ turning a blind eye to hate speech and neo-fascist nostalgia and its support for freedom of speech, resembles France’s minimizing the Holocaust and expressing sympathy for the Nazi regime that has sparked due to Le Pen (Bleich 33).

Croatia’s, since Croatia’s EU accession in 2013, has enacted laws against the denial or diminishment of genocide crimes. This resembles Bleich’s assertion that some countries have extended the logic of of Holocaust denial laws by instituting provisions against denying any genocide, war crime (Bleich 44). However, the HDZ have turned a blind eye to neo-fascist nostalgia, allowing hate speech to thrive and has failed to enforce legislation prohibiting public denial, belittlement or condoning of genocide crimes. This also resembles Bleich’s assertion that freedom of speech that is not compatible with the core principle of liberal democracy allows for the laws goals to diminish Holocaust denial, minimization, and justification to be acceptable (Bleich 44-45). The Croatian Jewish Community in Croatia has gone so far as to the boycotted Holocaust Remembrance Day in protest due to the government’s failure to fight the lack of regulation of past and modern-day Nazism.

Freedom of assembly in Croatia is recognized as human right to every person in the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia. However, with the far-right rising in Croatia, there has been a rise of radical right groups, such as HDZ, supporting the Holocaust denial and glorification of its fascist past. This group still remain in Croatia’s political life similarly to how Neo-Nazi parties and white supremacist groups cannot be banned, restricted, or forced to accept unwanted members on the grounds of their racism in the US (Bleich 103).

Croatia and Russia established diplomatic relationships in 1992. Croatia has an embassy in Moscow just as Russia has an embassy in Zagreb. Croatia’s right of center president Grabar-Kitarovic has been accused of Croatian ultranationalism. Grabar-Kitarovic has accordingly openly associated herself with Utasha sympathizers and has engaged with hard-right voters. However, she has declared the far-right in her country as marginal. Grabar-Kitarvoic has also created warm relations with Putin, in which she has defended. The Croatian far-right parties such as HDZ and the President have begun to create and experience deeper ties with through deals with Russian companies such as Gazpom and Sberbank and a call for the expansion of cooperation between Moscow and Zagreb. Grabar-Kitarvoic has stated, “”It is necessary to continue political dialogue. Our economic interests are another important part of cooperation. We support the development of new markets for Croatia’s economy and Croatian companies. Of course, Croatia adheres to all European regulations as well as the sanctions system but we are working on a broad field and Russia is a strong player in particular in south-eastern Europe.” Many Croatians also sympathize with Ukraine from their similar experiences of the Yugoslav wars. With Russia establishing peaceful ties with Croatia, it so far has been successful in its engagement with Croatia’s parties and politics.

Work Cited

Blakemore, Erin. “Why Croatian Jews Boycotted This Year’s Holocaust Remembrance Day.” Smithsonian.com. January 27, 2017. Accessed November 17, 2018. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-croatian-jews-boycotted-years-holocaust-remembrance-day-180961958/.

Bleich, Erik. The Freedom to Be Racist?: How the United States and Europe Struggle to Preserve Freedom and Combat Racism. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2011.

MacDowall, Andrew. “Croatia’s President Says Country’s Far-right Presence Is ‘exception, Not Rule’.” The Guardian. August 26, 2018. Accessed November 17, 2018. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/26/croatias-president-says-far-right-presence-there-is-exception-not-rule.

Pastor, Ana. “Croatia’s Press Freedom in Danger.” CIVIC IDEAS. December 03, 2017. Accessed November 19, 2018. https://civicidea.com/2017/02/23/croatias-press-freedom-in-danger/.

“Press Freedom in Croatia: Hate Speech and Hope for Change.” Croatia Report Final, May 2018, 1-32. Accessed November 19, 2018. https://rsf.org/sites/default/files/croatia-report-final_0.pdf.

Croatia and Migration

October 28, 2018 / Gianna Hroncich / 1 Comment

Since Croatia’s independence from Yugoslavia, its foreign policy goal was dominated by gaining EU membership, and Croatia achieved this goal in 2013. Croatia therefore currently still faces challenges defining its contemporary foreign policy goals today. However, Croatia’s has turned its foreign policy direction to align with the European Union’s foreign policy goals. The Croatian Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs adopted the Strategic Plan 2017-2019 which is its latest strategic document focusing on Croatia’s foreign policy goals. The Strategic plan 2017-2019 states that its mission is to promote stability in its country, promote and protect the interests and safety of Croatians abroad, develop strong economic ties with Croatian and other countries abroad, and preserve and develop procedures for unity and stability within the EU. Croatia is also focused on establishing and maintaining bilateral and multilateral relationships and cooperation in the world. Croatia wishes to strengthen its position in Central Europe in order to keep common values and economic trade relations stable. Additionally, Croatia’s foreign policy aims include the preservation and strengthening of peace between countries including establishing stable relationships with neighbors as well as important countries of the world. Although Croatia is committed to these goals, it continues to fall short of it foreign policy expectations and realities due to its late ascension and the internal struggles it continues to face as a result.

Croatia’s foreign policy most resembles that of Spain’s foreign policy goals. Similar to Croatia, Spain, a medium-sized country, easily becomes overlooked and outbalanced from the rising influences in the EU, such as Germany. Spain foreign policy priorities, following the death of dictator in 1975, also focused on removing itself from diplomatic isolation and entering the European community through the European Union. With Spain’s new administration, and it being granted EU membership, it wishes to represent a total break with its past and move towards having stronger ties and with the EU and its partners. Spain has underperformed on the international scale, just as Croatia, but still wishes to embrace numerous plans to deepen European cooperation, especially on security matters. Its main agenda is to regain economic strength, like Croatia, and work more efficiently alongside EU members. Spain also adopted a multilateral approach to reach international stability. In 2013, through its National Security Strategy, Spain also places national security in a global context to create a national and international safe environment, and sees European integration as providing greater regional security. The new Spanish government also recognizes the central value of European foreign policy coordination that aligns with the EU. Spain, just as Croatia, defends and supports the involvement of the EU in democracy and peace. Both Croatia and Spain recognize the importance of becoming more involved in the EU and its foreign policy goals, but have not successfully found a way to flourish as other EU members have.

Croatia’s foreign policy choices appear as a part of EU-wide negotiations about migration. Migrants from Middle East and central Asia, trying to reach wealthier EU states, typically cross into Croatia from Bosnia undeclared and unidentified. Therefore, Croatia has experienced a 30% increase in unauthorized migrants. As a result, Croatia, like other EU countries, has been working on having stricter flow of migrants and border controls. Previously when crossing Croatia’s borders, only documents and license plate numbers were only for suspicious people. It will now be that all documents and all vehicle license plate number will go through a special scanner for all Croatian citizens, citizens of non EU-countries, and citizens of the Schengen zone. Th The police also warned that the waiting times at the border crossing will begin to take longer. This change will occur due to the increased terrorist attacks in Europe. Croatia is not yet a member of the Schengen crisis, although moving closer to becoming a member, and as a result Croatia citizens and migrants will feel the effects.

The European Commission is also working towards negotiations with Croatia to have it within the Schengen area. Once Croatia meets the technical criteria for the of the EU’s Schengen zone, the European Commission will assess if Croatia is ready to join. Croatia hopes will occur before the next elections for the European Parliament. Croatia hopes to join by 2020 as it is one of the six european union members not part of the passport-free Schengen zone. The free movement of people would benefit Croatia’s economy, specifically in its tourism sector which makes up about 20 percent of Croatia’s GDP. However, the Council of Europe continues to urge for Croatia to launch investigations concerning reports of police violence and theft against migrants. The Commissioner of the Council of Europe addressed a letter to the Croatian Prime Minister revealing the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has received reports of 2,500 migrants being pushed back from Croatia since the beginning of 2018 and 1,500 people being denied to asylum procedure which includes 100 children. In addition, more than 700 people have experienced violence and theft by Croatian officers. However, Croatian officials have denied such claims. As a result, until Croatia recognizes such claims and implements investigation will the European Commission allow for Croatia to be within the Schengen zone. Despite this, Croatia continues its negotiations with the EU in hopes of achieving its foreign policy goals.

Al Jazeera. “Council of Europe Urges Croatia to Probe Police Abuse Allegations.” News | Al Jazeera. October 05, 2018. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2018/10/council-europe-urges-croatia-probe-police-abuse-allegations-181005104405894.html. Accessed October 21, 2018.

“Contemporary Croatia.” croatia.eu.http://croatia.eu/article.php?lang=2&id=24. Accessed October 21, 2018.

EU Agenda Team. “National Backgrounders – European Foreign Policy Country Profile – Spain.” EU Agenda. December 2015. https://euagenda.eu/publications/national-backgrounders-european-foreign-policy-country-profile-spain. Accessed October 22, 2018.

Knezović, Sandro, and Nani Klepo. “Croatian Foreign Policy in 3D.” IRMO, 2017, 1-42. http://www.irmo.hr/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3D.pdf. Accessed October 21, 2018.

Pavlic, Vedran. “Stricter Controls Coming to Croatian Border Crossings.” Total Croatia News. April 1, 2017. https://www.total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/17852-stricter-controls-coming-to-croatian-border-crossings. Accessed October 21, 2018.

Reuters, Tickers. “Croatia on Course for Schengen Zone Entry in 2020 – Government Official.” SWI Swissinfo.ch. October 16, 2018. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/reuters/croatia-on-course-for-schengen-zone-entry-in-2020—government-official/44478100. Accessed October 21, 2018.

“Spain as a Template for European Foreign Policy?” Carnegie Europe. http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/53614. Accessed October 29, 2018.

Definitions of Europe

September 14, 2018 / Gianna Hroncich / 0 Comments

What is Europe?

Europe is often used as a geographical term that can be defined as a continent of the northern hemisphere that contains 20 percent of the world’s population. In addition to this, Europe can also be defined as a political and cultural entity that separates itself from Asia. Europe previously defined its separateness through a common religious identity: Christianity. However, in the seventeenth century, and with the establishment of sovereign nation states, did a secular Europe begin. Europe is a political system with unique characteristics focused on European unity and peace, which is driven by the mechanism for enhancing prosperity across Europe and a way to civilize Europe’s nation and citizens (Glencross 2014, 22-24). Europe is now closely associated and defined through the European Union, established in 193, which is driven by European unity. It is a unified trade and monetary body of 28 countries and is meant to allow countries to become more tolerant and respectful of their neighbors (Glencross 2014, 23). These 28 countries together work towards European values such as eliminating border controls of members, the free flow of goods and people, create a competitive global market, and also strives towards promoting peace among the countries, foster diversity, and offer freedom and security within its borders.

Where are Europe’s Borders?

Europe’s borders remains a key debate of Europe. The geographic boundaries of Europe and Asia remains in question, especially in consideration to Turkey and Russia, countries with territory in both Europe and Asia. The European Union currently only consists of 28 countries, which does not include all of the countries that comprise modern Europe. However, the Council of Europe consists of 47 countries, 28 which are in the EU and includes Russia, with the aim to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Europe. These 47 states should be considered in the borders of Europe as they are driven by European values. In addition, Turkey is not a member of the EU or Council of Europe, but its population consist of ethnic Turks, Armenians, Greeks, Albanians, Bosnians, and Georgians, and it state follows western civilization, culture, and systems. Turkey is apart of NATO and has expressed interest in joining the European Union, but has not been granted membership. The boundaries of Europe should be defined by political and cultural characteristics of the country. Therefore, Turkey resembles the cultural and political dimensions of Europe and “europeans” and should also be included in the boundaries of Europe along with the 47 other states.

The “Idea of Europe” to Croatia

Croatia is located in the Balkans and currently gained membership of the European Union in 2013. Croatia joining the European Union was confirmation that it is dedicated to the democratic and cultural set of values of the EU. Europe is focused on European integration, and Croatia, with its membership, now strives for political stability, economic development and long-term peace. By joining the EU, Croatia has opened up to the opportunity to participate and engage in EU policies and processes that will allow Croatia to flourish with European values. About five years into the EU, Croatia has already seen economic growth and now has the opportunity to be equal with other European states and citizens and be acknowledged as a global player. It has been stated that, Croatia’s EU membership is a new stage “towards a totally unified and democratic Europe” (“Croatia’s accession to the European Union” 2013).

With Croatia’s membership as an EU member, it has gained and carried an important role in defending EU’s longest external border and preventing a new migration crisis such as an uncontrolled migration to reoccur or irregular migration along a new route. With its strong security forces, it is also moving towards joining the Schengen entry. The European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos referred to Schengen at a civil liberties committee hearing as “the core symbol of our unity” and called on “the Council to finally decide for Croatia (entry), as soon as it is technically ready” (Schengen 2018). This validates Croatia’s changing roles in Europe and its adoption of the EU values of peace and prosperity within its country. Croatia has also gained interest to strengthen its political and economic relations with other countries, such as Germany. Croatia and Germany have worked well together on migration-related issues, which is the goals and hopes of the European Union: to unite countries to integrate and cooperate civilly with one another on current issues. Croatia’s “idea of Europe” has gradually been evolving to resemble the “idea of Europe” of the EU. Although still facing struggles as a country, it is moving in a positive direction of acting as an integrated member of the EU and Europe with the growing establishment of European values.

Works Cited

“European Issues and Interviews.” Transatlantic Relations after Brexit. June 23, 2013. Accessed September 16, 2018. https://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/european-issues/0283-croatia-s-accession-to-the-european-union-thoughts-for-europe-at-a-crossroads.

Glencross, Andrew. The Politics of European Integration: Political Union or a House Divided? Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley Blackwell, 2014.

HINA. “Croatia Has Important Role In Defending EU Border.” Total Croatia News. September 1, 2018. Accessed September 16, 2018. https://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/30764-crotia-has-important-role-in-defending-eu-borders.

Kiprop, Joseph. “Is Turkey in Europe or Asia?” World Atlas – Maps, Geography, Travel. April 20, 2017. Accessed September 16, 2018. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/is-turkey-in-europe-or-asia.html.

“Schengen: Enlargement of Europes Border-free Area | News | European Parliament.” Chernobyl 30 Years On: Environmental and Health Effects – Think Tank. February 23, 2018. Accessed September 16, 2018. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/security/20180216S\TO98008/schengen-enlargement-of-europe-s-border-free-area.

“The EU in Brief – European Union – European Commission.” European Union. July 04, 2018. Accessed September 16, 2018. https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/eu-in-brief_en.