Croatia belongs to a group of countries with small and open economies that are strongly connected to other foreign markets. The priority of Croatia's economic policy has been the development of a stable and market-oriented economy that is capable of competing on the international market, the constant strengthening of macro-economic stability and the continuation of structural reforms. In this context, particular importance is being attached to the creation of a favourable business environment oriented to the framework conditions found in the European Union, the expansion of the market economy and to the supporting of private investments.

Croatia's accession to NATO in early 2009 has led to even closer ties with the West. The accession negotiations with the EU are also continuing to make progress. As things currently stand, Croatia's accession to the EU is set to take place in approx. 2013. By means of strict cost-cutting measures, the government is making efforts to get to grips with the country's high foreign debt, completely forgoing aid from the IMF or the World Bank.

Croatia in Figures