The European Fund for the Balkans in partnership with the Academy for Political Development organized a panel discussion “Croatia and the EU: The closer to the goal, the less optimism” in order to present the results of Gallup Balkan Monitor and stimulate the debate about the current political, economic and social situation in Croatia.

The discussion was held at the EU Info Centre in Zagreb on January 21. The panel was opened by Ms. Hedvig Morvai Horvat - EFB Executive Director and Ms. Nevena Crljenko - Executive Director of the Academy for Political Development. H.E. Mr. Paul Vandoren continued with his impressions and experiences during his work in Croatia as Head of Delegation of the European Union. Mr. Vandoren stressed that Croatian skepticism indicated in the GBM results have to be observed through broader picture of global economic crisis. The country specific results: Croatia and the EU:”Should I stay or should I go” were presented by Mr. Robert Manchin, Director of Gallup Europe.

Mr. Josip Kregar, Professor at the Faculty of Law in Zagreb, provoked a lively discussion and pointed at one contradictory in the attitudes of Croatians - they wish to stay in the country which is, according to the survey, going in the wrong direction. Mr. Srdjan Dvornik, Publicist, discussed more reasons for dissatisfaction in Croatia and pointed at some potentials of Croatia which could be red from this survey. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Neven Santic, Journalist and Columnist based in Croatia.

The panel was visited by respective ambassadors in Croatia, various representatives of civil society and government, EFB Alumni network members and other guests.
For detailed results of Gallup Balkan Monitor please visit: www.balkan-monitor.eu

Here you can see the picture gallery from the event.