Full membership in the European Union (EU), as the core of stable peace, democratic freedom and economic development, is a priority of the foreign policy of the Government of the Republic of Croatia. There is a general consensus on this strategic objective, as confirmed by the Resolution of the Croatian Parliament on the Accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union of 18 December 2002, with all the parliamentary political parties supporting the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union.  

The fundamental components of the Republic of Croatia’s foreign policy are: preservation and strengthening of peace and understanding among countries and nations; reinforcement of the international position of the Republic of Croatia; creation of conditions for the realisation of basic strategic priorities of integration into European and Trans-Atlantic political, security and economic integrations; meeting the adopted international obligations; the resolution of outstanding issues remaining after the break-up of the former Yugoslavia; establishment of good neighbourly relationships and co-operation with all neighbouring countries on the principles of equality and reciprocity; development of friendly relationships with the most important factors and states in the world; strengthening the economic position and promotion of the overall image of Croatia. In the conditions of globalisation, the Republic of Croatia has assessed that the optimum path of development and securing prosperity, i.e. achievement of national interests, is through accession to the European Union.  

The foreign policy objectives of the Government of the Republic of Croatia are in their essence tied to the complex programme of internal reforms. These will ensure economic development, reorganisation of the state administration and full implementation of all European democratic standards, such as the rule of law, a firm guarantee of civil and religious freedoms, complete equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and the right of each individual to equal life opportunities.  

The process of rapprochement to the European Union represents the most comprehensive reform ever carried out in the Republic of Croatia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration is the co-ordinating state administration body that works on the alignment of the Croatian legal and economic systems with those of Europe. The Ministry, alongside other state administration bodies, is also responsible for informing the public about the process of accession to the European Union, education and professional improvement of civil servants in the field of European integration and the translation of EU legal documents necessary for alignment of the Croatian legal system with the acquis communautaire.