The international recognition of the Republic of Croatia on 15 January 1992 marked the beginning of the development of relations between Croatia and the European Union. The intensification of these relations towards the end of 1999 and particularly from the beginning of 2000 led to the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) on 29 October 2001. Croatia was the second country to sign a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU and that agreement represented the first formal contractual step in institutionalising the relationship of Croatia with the EU. The agreement entered into force on 1 February 2005.
Following Croatia's application for membership in the European Union on 21 February 2003 in Athens, the Council of the EU asked the Commission to prepare an opinion on Croatia's application bid. Based on a positive opinion by the European Commission, the European Council granted Croatia the status of candidate country for membership.
In December 2004, the European Council sets 17 March 2005 as starting date for negotiations, provided full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is achieved. In the absence of a confirmation of full cooperation, the starting date for opening negotiations is postponed. However, a Negotiating Framework is adopted so that negotiations can start when full cooperation with the ICTY is achieved.
After a positive report by the then ICTY Chief Prosecutor, the Council concluded that conditions for starting negotiations had been met and negotiations were officially launched on 3 October 2005.
After successful negotiations EU Member States on 30 June 2011 decided to close the accession negotiations with Croatia, which allowed for the signature of the Accession Treaty on 9 December 2011. At a referendum held on 22 January 2012, 66.27% of Croatian voters supported Croatia's accession to the European Union. With 136 "Yes" votes, Croatian Parliament unanimously ratified on 9 March the Accession Treaty of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union. Following the ratification procedure in all EU Member States and Croatia, on 1 July 2013 Croatia becomes an EU Member State.
Key dates:
| 1 July 2013 | The Republic of Croatia becomes Member State of the European Union |
| 22 January 2012 | Referendum on Croatian EU membership: 66.27% of voters said YES for the EU |
| 9 December 2011 | Croatia signs Accession Treaty with the European Union |
| 5 December 2011 | Conclusions of the Council of the European Union on Croatia |
| 1 December 2011 | European Parliament gave a green light for Croatia’s EU accession |
| 30 June 2011 |
The meeting of the Accession Conference with Croatia at Ministerial level closed accession negotiations with Croatia |
|
12 February 2008 |
The Council adopts new Accession Partnership |
|
October 2006 |
Screening finalised. |
|
20 October 2005 |
Beginning of the screening process, analytical overview and review of the degree of harmonisation of Croatian legislation with the acquis communautaire. |
|
3 October 2005 |
ICTY Chief Prosecutor assesses Croatia is now fully cooperating with the ICTY. Council concludes that the last remaining condition for starting negotiations has been met. Accession negotiations are launched the same day. |
|
26 April 2005 |
First meeting of Stabilisation and Association Council; meeting of extended “EU troika” on Croatia’s cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia |
|
16 March 2005 |
EU postpones start of accession negotiations but adopts framework for negotiations with Croatia |
|
1 February 2005 |
|
|
December 2004 |
European Council sets 17 March 2005 as starting date for negotiations conditional upon full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia |
|
June 2004 |
|
|
April 2004 |
European Commission issues positive opinion (COM(2004) 257 final) on Croatia’s application for EU membership application |
|
June 2003 |
Thessaloniki summit confirms accession perspective of Western Balkans countries, including Croatia |
|
21 February 2003 |
Croatia applies for EU membership |
|
29 October 2001 |
Stabilisation and Association Agreement signed |
|
November 2000 |
Zagreb Summit launches the Stabilisation and Association Process |
Source: Delegation of the EU to the Republic of Croatia