European Union: What are the main benefits of Croatia entering the EU?

Personally, I am convinced that it is a very wise decision from both parts : Croatia and the EU. First for Croatia that will be fully recognized as a member of the EU after many efforts to adopts all the rules and processes of the "acquis communautaire" : market economy, rule of law, custom processes, etc... The benefits will be easier movement of goods, people and financial transfers : Croatian entrepreneurs will be able to export and import what they need, your custom operations will be reduced to a minimum for trade with other EU members, cross-border payments will be easier. Croatian cititzens will be able to travel more easily to other EU countries, I don't know if they will be in the Schengen area soon, but it will surely come. About the cons, I would say it means more gymnastics between what is of national prerogative and what should be negotiated with th EU council of Ministers of the European Parliament (you will have MEP soon !). But as a small country Croatia has made the right choice to opt in the EU. Croatian will gain more influence inside than outside, and in my opinion EU affairs for European countries are purely a domestic matter, not foreign anymore. Other cons will surely be more competition for your domestic producers, it could be a good thing if they can compete, but some will surely not survive. A transition period is always a matter on the table during the adhesion negociation process. From this press release (http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-12-765_en.htm?locale=en) at the moment only 13 countries have ratified the adhesion treaty of Croatia, but no real problem for its membership has been raised by the European Commission in its assessment process, so it is now just a question of time.

Interesting thing that no Croatian answered this question :). I would say not many, but we are to small to be isolated so we were kind of forced to enter the EU. On our referendum for the EU not even 50 percent of Croatian people participated. Our politicians are corrupted while people are more and more fighting to survive. We have beautiful nature and I believe EU will exploit it to the max and it can be only worse when Euro comes. But unfortunately we are not smart enough to be independent.

Agreeing with To add to this. It is a positive piece of news and an emotional boost at a time when they are scarce. The fact that countries want to join EU, see value in EU and EU is still open rather than retreating -- those are positive messages within Europe & to the world.