Rather than posing the question on effects of the EU Accession process on National politics of memory, this research deals with the fait accompli perspective, observing the interplay of the first two years of Croatian EU membership (2013-2015) and domestic political memories. One of the areas where this interaction can be observed is the European Parliament, a forum in which memory, politics and identity are discussed and where their mutual relationship is negotiated.
Using the process tracing method, the focus of this research is on capturing the idiosyncrasy of the interplay between memory and politics in the activities of Croatian MEPs by explaining the role of the Homeland war narratives in process of political positioning of Croatia in the EP and construction of its European identity. Analysis of parliamentary activities, conducted interviews with Croatian MEPs, their peers in the EP and other relevant actors, suggest that encouraging awareness and appreciation of the Homeland war narratives in the European Parliament derives from domestic uses of the past in Identity building and consolidation after the Croatian Independence (domestic concerns and considerations), and importantly, perspectives from dealings with immediate neighbours, namely Serbia. The European parliament, thus, becomes not only the locus for re-affirmation of Croatian National identity but also powerful instrument in resolving bilateral issues with Serbia, now candidate country.
