Croatia’s relationship with Russia and Ukraine has been a topic of discussion in recent years, especially in light of Croatia’s entry into the Schengen area.
Croatia’s relationship with Russia
When it comes to Croatia’s relationship with Russia, it’s important to consider the historical context. During the Cold War, Croatia was part of Yugoslavia, which was a non-aligned country. After the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Croatia sought to establish relationships with various countries, including Russia. However, Croatia’s accession to the European Union in 2013 brought it more in line with EU foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia following its annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Despite this, Croatia has maintained certain economic ties with Russia, particularly in the energy sector. There have also been efforts to improve political dialogue between the two countries. Overall, Croatia’s relationship with Russia can be characterized as pragmatic, with a focus on economic cooperation while aligning with EU policies on key international issues.
Croatia’s relationship with Ukraine
When it comes to Croatia’s relationship with Ukraine, the two countries have shown a willingness to collaborate on various fronts. Croatia has supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Additionally, Croatia has assisted Ukraine in areas such as defense and security sector reform.
Croatia’s accession to the Schengen area is likely to further strengthen its ties with Ukraine, as it will facilitate easier travel and stronger economic and cultural exchange between the two countries. This could lead to increased cooperation in areas such as tourism, trade, and education.
The impact of Schengen membership
Croatia’s Schengen membership has implications for its relationships with Russia and Ukraine that are worth considering. Schengen membership brings Croatia closer to the rest of the EU, including its foreign policy positions. This could lead to a further alignment with EU stances on issues such as relations with Russia and support for Ukraine.
Additionally, Schengen membership will make it easier for citizens of Ukraine and Croatia to travel between the two countries, fostering stronger people-to-people ties. This could further enhance cooperation and collaboration between the two nations in various domains.
Croatia’s relationships with Russia and Ukraine are nuanced and evolving. As Croatia prepares to join the Schengen area, its foreign policy alignment with the EU is likely to become more pronounced. This could have implications for its relationships with both Russia and Ukraine. At the same time, Schengen membership could lead to closer ties between Croatia and Ukraine, creating new opportunities for cooperation and partnership.
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