Fact Check: Is Croatia part of the EU?

Is Croatia Part of the EU?

The claim in question is whether Croatia is part of the European Union (EU). This inquiry arises from Croatia's recent developments regarding its EU membership status, particularly its adoption of the euro and entry into the Schengen zone.

What We Know

1. Croatia officially became a member of the European Union on July 1, 2013, making it the EU's newest member at that time 18.
2. As of January 1, 2023, Croatia adopted the euro as its official currency and joined the Schengen area, which allows for passport-free travel across many European countries 258.
3. The U.S. Department of State's 2023 Investment Climate Statements confirm Croatia's full integration into the EU as of January 1, 2023, highlighting the economic stability and opportunities this membership has provided 1.
4. The European Union's official website also confirms Croatia's status as a member state since 2013 and notes its recent transitions into the eurozone and Schengen zone 8.
5. Historical context shows that Croatia's path to EU membership began with its candidacy status granted in 2004, followed by several years of negotiations and reforms required for accession 9.

Analysis

The evidence supporting Croatia's EU membership is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The U.S. Department of State is a reliable government source that provides verified information about international relations and economic conditions 1. Additionally, major news organizations like the Associated Press and NPR have reported on Croatia's recent milestones, including its adoption of the euro and entry into the Schengen zone, which further corroborates the claim 23.

However, it is important to note that the Wikipedia entry regarding the 2013 enlargement of the EU includes a statement that may be misleading. It mentions that Croatia is a fully participating member as of February 19, 2025, which is inaccurate given that Croatia has already been a member since 2013 and has fully integrated into the eurozone and Schengen area as of January 2023 4. This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of some online sources and their updates.

Moreover, the source from the European Union itself provides a clear and authoritative confirmation of Croatia's status, which is crucial for establishing the reliability of the information 8.

While the sources supporting the claim are credible, some may have inherent biases. For instance, the op-ed from the Eurogroup emphasizes the positive aspects of Croatia's EU membership and may not address potential criticisms or challenges faced by the country since its accession 10.

In terms of methodology, the evidence presented is primarily factual and sourced from official statements and reputable news outlets. However, additional information regarding Croatia's ongoing challenges within the EU framework, such as economic disparities or political issues, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of its membership status.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence confirms that Croatia is indeed a member of the European Union, having joined on July 1, 2013, and further solidified its status by adopting the euro and joining the Schengen zone as of January 1, 2023. Key sources, including the U.S. Department of State and the European Union's official website, provide reliable confirmation of Croatia's membership and its recent developments.

However, it is important to acknowledge that while the primary sources are credible, some online entries, such as certain Wikipedia pages, may contain inaccuracies that could mislead readers. Additionally, while Croatia's membership is confirmed, ongoing challenges within the EU context may not be fully represented in the sources reviewed.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the broader context of Croatia's EU membership, including both its achievements and the challenges it faces.

Sources

1. U.S. Department of State. 2023 Investment Climate Statements: Croatia. Link
2. Associated Press. Croatia rings in New Year as fully integrated EU member. Link
3. NPR. Croatia rings in New Year as fully integrated EU member. Link
4. Wikipedia. 2013 enlargement of the European Union. Link
5. Reuters. Historic new year for Croatia as it joins euro, Schengen area. Link
6. Wikipedia. Potential enlargement of the European Union. Link
7. OSW. The fading star pupil: ten years of Croatia's membership in the EU. Link
8. European Union. Croatia - EU country profile. Link
9. Blue Europe. Croatia and the EU: ten years after. Link
10. Council of the European Union. "Croatia becomes twentieth member of the euro area." Link