The Impact of Enlargement to Croatia on the Functioning of the European Union

The accession of Croatia to the EU, which is scheduled to take place on 1 July, will not essentially change the functioning of the Union, mainly due to the small socio-economic potential of that country. However, its membership may have relevance to some EU policies, especially those concerned with enlargement and energy. Since these are essential elements of the foreign policy of Poland, it should be interested in cooperation with Croatia in these areas, including through the Visegrad Group, while paying particular attention to Croatia’s potential in shaping enlargement policy of the EU in the Western Balkans and in creating an integrated gas market in the future.