EU Conditionality for the Future Enlargement: A Case Study of Croatian Accession Process and Lessons Learned

Although the principle, implementation and effects of the EU conditionality in the Western Balkans are largely based on the experience of the Fifth enlargement (Copenhagen criteria, pre-accession assistance, the Accession Partnerships), on case-study of Croatia’s accession process that marked new approach in the Enlargement requirements, this paper will exam differences, innovations and obstacles of current conditionality to the countries of the region, where political conditionality becomes more demanding, complex and incomplete. This paper will trace key elements, limits and suggestions in affecting the efficiency of conditionality implementation for the future enlargement.