We Have Croatia – 15 years!

Exactly 15 years ago, while a third of the country was under Serb occupation, 12 EU members recognised the Republic of Croatia.

The 12 countries were joined by Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Switzerland the same day. But, Croatia was recognised first by Island and Germany, on December 19, 1991, while Germany decided to make its recognition effective on January 15, together with other EU members. Hans-Dietrich Genscher played the key role in Croatia’s recognition as Foreign Minister, due to which he is regarded by the Croatian people as a hero.

The Holy See’s recognition was especially important before other EU member countries, on January 13, 1992. Namely, the Vatican had announced the recognition of Croatia and Slovenia on December 20, 1991 with a special document. The day after the Holy See, San Marino recognised Croatia. The most credited person for this recognition was Pope John Paul II, whose first visit to Croatia took place during a time when a third of Croatia’s territory was under Serb occupation.

Slovenia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Latvia and Estonia recognised Croatia before December 1991, but these countries were not internationally recognised themselves at that time.

By the end of January 1992, Croatia was recognised by the seven following countries: Finland, Rumania, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia.

The first Asian and Islamic country, Turkey not included, that recognised Croatia was Iran, and in Africa, Egypt. Before its accession into the United Nations on May 22, 1992, Croatia was recognised by Russia, Japan, the United States of America, Israel and China.

During the first Croatian president Franjo Tudman`s time, January 15, 1992 became the day which will be engraved in gold letters into the fourteen-century-long history of the Croatian people. The country’s recognition was seen as Croatia’s return into the international community as a free and internationally recognised state.

The government marked this day with a ceremonial sitting, with Republic President Stjepan Mesic, Parliament President Vladimir Seks and Constitutional Court President Petar Klaric attending.

In addition, all former Croatian prime ministers and members of the Government of Democratic Unity were invited to the reception.