Croatia allies with Serbia, takes swipe at Slovenia

Croatia has made great strides in burying the hatchet with a former foe.  The country is willing to support Serbia's bid for EU integration despite past tension between the countries.  According to this article, Croatia has decided to take a different approach than its neighbor, Slovenia, which has been blocking Croatia's membership in the EU due to disputes following the collapse of Yugoslavia.  "Croatia will not be to Serbia what Slovenia is to us," Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader told reporters in Belgrade.  Sanader stressed that Croatia must remember the past but continue to live in the future.  While this may be seen as a direct shot at Slovenia in an attempt to change Croatia's fortunes, it is a progressive step in cooperation between nations that do not have the friendliest of histories.  Croatia has been a country in transition for the past several years, trying to establish strong democratic principles.  Hopefully, its intentions in supporting Serbia's quest to become an EU nation are more a sign of this progress than a shot at Slovenia.  Either way, the initiative to aid a country that is not really seen as an ally is better than blocking them in the way Slovenia has blocked Croatia.  Perhaps Slovenia will be influenced by this decision, allowing Croatia to pursue membership of its own while continuing to make progress in terms of political and social freedoms and protection.

Posted by:

Matt Orminski (Croatia)