The State of Anti-Corruption in Croatia: A Reflection on EU Values and Youth Engagement

The State of Anti-Corruption in Croatia: A Reflection on EU Values and Youth Engagement

Anti-corruption efforts in Croatia remain a pivotal issue, particularly in the context of the country’s membership in the European Union (EU). While joining the EU was a milestone, bringing about progress through stringent monitoring during the accession process (notably under Chapter 23), many of these gains have been undercut since Croatia’s membership began. In an interview with the NHC, Vanja Mladineo, Executive Director at the Centre for Democracy and Law Miko Tripalo, shares insights into the erosion of institutional independence and transparency, as well as initiatives targeting youth education on corruption.

The Role of Civil Society in Addressing Corruption

The Centre for Democracy and Law Miko Tripalo combines research, analysis, and practical applications. Its focus spans democratization, rule of law, and free speech, with anti-corruption and judicial reform identified as critical areas requiring urgent attention. Vanja Mladineo explains that corruption in Croatia, alongside judicial challenges, constitutes a dire problem that has worsened in many respects since EU accession.

Post-accession, EU oversight waned, and a “you’re good, it’s finished” mentality emerged. Consequently, institutional erosion and a rise in corruption have undermined the rule of law. For instance, while Croatia’s judiciary is nominally independent, it struggles with issues of accountability and transparency. These systemic flaws erode public trust in governance, particularly among young people.

The Youth Perspective on Corruption

The Centre has turned its attention to educating and engaging young people on corruption, a demographic that often feels powerless to enact change. A survey conducted among Croatian youth revealed striking insights:

• High Awareness, Low Trust: Over 86% of respondents believe corruption is widespread, and over 50% reject the idea that it is a “necessary evil.” However, most feel the odds are stacked against them, perceiving that personal connections outweigh merit in societal advancement.

• Reasons for Leaving Croatia: Corruption ranks as the second most cited reason (after economic hardship) for youth emigration. This trend highlights the tangible impact of systemic corruption on Croatia’s future.

• Media’s Role: While youth see media as moderately effective in exposing corruption, skepticism about media independence persists.

These findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives, as most Croatian schools and universities lack curricula addressing corruption and its consequences.

EU Institutions: A Beacon of Hope?

Interestingly, trust in EU institutions remains relatively high compared to domestic bodies. This reflects a broader perception among young Croatians that external oversight—such as actions by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO)—is crucial in holding corrupt actors accountable. Mladineo notes that this sentiment aligns with consistent survey findings showing strong public confidence in the EU’s capacity to enforce democratic standards.

Obstacles and Opportunities in Anti-Corruption Work

Despite the promising response to their survey and conference, the Centre encountered challenges typical of Croatia’s institutional landscape. For example:

• Limited Transparency: Attempts to access judicial decisions for related projects faced bureaucratic roadblocks, with excuses ranging from inadequate record-keeping to the aftermath of natural disasters.

• Underfunded Oversight Bodies: The Commission for Conflict of Interest, once instrumental in addressing high-profile cases, has seen its powers stripped under recent legislative changes.

Mladineo emphasizes that beyond legislative reform, pragmatic, smaller-scale initiatives—like public awareness campaigns and youth-targeted projects—offer feasible paths forward.

Cross-Border Collaboration and EU-Level Support

Looking ahead, Mladineo expressed interest in broader European partnerships to bolster anti-corruption efforts. Building international networks and sharing best practices across countries are seen as vital to sustaining momentum. Such collaboration could bridge Croatia’s current isolation in this field and enhance its alignment with EU values.

Corruption in Croatia continues to undermine democratic governance and public trust. While the EU accession process brought initial progress, the post-accession period has exposed vulnerabilities in institutional resilience. Vanja Mladineo underscores the need for innovative approaches, particularly through youth education and international cooperation, to revitalize anti-corruption efforts. As Croatia grapples with these challenges, the involvement of NGOs such as the Centre for Democracy and Law Miko Tripalo will be crucial in restoring accountability and aligning with EU standards.

The Centre for Democracy and Law Miko Tripalo, in partnership with Human Rights House Zagreb, held a conference entitled “The Future of Anti-Corruption in Croatia: Rule of Law Report?” on Thursday, 21 November 2024, at the House of Europe in Zagreb. This event brought together experts, policymakers, and civil society to discuss the findings of a youth survey on corruption and explore opportunities to enhance Croatia’s anti-corruption framework within the context of EU values. Find more information and news coverage here.

The youth survey on corruption was carried out as part of the Centre’s project within the scope of the first call for “Catalyst of Change”, funded by the European Union.