Croatia and the EU - Between National and European Identity

The paper will explore processes of construction of national and European identity in Croatia as the new EU member state. Although the accession to the EU presented a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the elements of its European identity, multicultural history and the cosmopolitan richness of a shared transnational heritage, it also raised a question of self-perception and promotion of European values. Croatia joined the EU in a delicate moment when its future is challenged with a financial and economic crisis, a continuing legitimacy and democratic crisis and a growing external crises. A permanent state of identity crisis, that accompanied the process of late nation building, including transformation from Yugoslav to Croatian and than from national to European identity met the instable global context and unpredictable processes of European disintegration. We can assume that the rearfirming of local and regional particularism which we witness represents some kind of regressive return to the comunity as a shelter in relation to the planetary effects of globalization as well as unfinished Europeanisation. On the other hand, the current migrant crisis, which tests core European values of democracy and open society, highlighted the specific position of Croatia at the external EU borders. Although dramatic international context recalls the former mythic role of the Antemurale Christianitatis (“bulwark of Christianity”), Croatia could have a much more human and ambitious role as the gateway for the rest of the Balkans. As a sort of meeting place and crossroads of cultures and religions, with accumulated historical experience and knowledge of cultural diversity, this area could act not only as a repository of cultural memory, but also as a competent cultural mediator who can actively help in understanding the causes and consequences of the current situation, as well as in solving problems.