Eurooptimism in Balkans

Until very recently, Croatian governments tried very hard to convince the people that Croatia would join EU in 2007. Račan's (Racan's) government tried to convince people that Croatia can enter EU only if it stays in power. Sanader's government used Croatian entry into EU as justification for some of its unpopular moves – having Serbs in government, handing generals to Hague Tribunal etc.

But it seems that the optimism is unfounded. It is very unlikely that Croatia can enter EU in 2007, and some ministers in Sanader's government admitted so.

Many in Croatia are angry over the prospect of Bulgaria and Romania – two countries that definitely looked like worse candidates for EU compared with Croatia in 1990 – entering EU before Croatia.

This post from excellent Halfway down the Danube blog shows that even Romania is unlikely to enter EU in 2007.