Saturday, March 19, 2011

Croatia Takes a Step Closer to the EU

The European Union Parliament recently adopted a resolution to complete Croatia’s EU membership negotiations within the first half of 2011. The resolution said that Croatia has made substantial progress in introducing reforms, but includes a condition that Zagreb must continue to push ahead with reforms. More specifically, it stated that Croatia has done well in the areas of constitutional amendments, judicial reforms, and cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, but that it still faces challenges in fighting corruption, support for refugees returning to Croatia, and the restructuring of shipyards. The resolution also said that Croatia needs to proceed quickly with the prosecution of war crimes and improve witness protection.

Croatia says it hopes to join the 27-member European Union in 2012, but a more realistic date is likely sometime in 2013 or 2014.

7 comments:

  1. Greetings from Southern California

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  2. Can anyone recommend a good rental car company in Croatia which allows to pickup in Zagreb and drop-off in Dubrovnik.

    We are 6 adults and will require a 7 or 9 seater vehicle and want to be certain we are not stranded last minute by false claims - not sure about the reviews of Economy Car Rentals- who have great online rates but seem to have a few hide in factors.

    Also can a 9 seater van go on a car ferry - i hope we dont get double charged?

    Please help!

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  3. I can't recommend any specific companies with pick-up in Zagreb and drop-off in Dubrovnik as not all rental companies will allow that. In general, it is good to check with the larger companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Europcar because they all have offices in both location.

    When comparing rates it is important to be sure that you are comparing apples to apples. Rates should include VAT, unlimited mileage, and at least the minimum insurance required by law. You may also want to ask if the car is insured across the border if you plan to travel to Bosnia or Montenegro while in the area.

    I do not think it is a problem to take a 9-seater van on the ferry. There are often large trucks on the ferries as that is how they ship products to the islands.

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  4. Hello,

    Can anyone suggest a reliable rental car company within Croatia.

    Also do you really need a car on Hvar island if you are staying close to the city centre?

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  5. Thank you for your response.

    A few other questions:

    - do we need a rental car on the islands i.e. Hvar?
    - do we need additional car insurance if we are only crossing the 20km Bosnia- Neum corridor as transit?
    - how narrow/wide are the major roads to maneuver a 9 seater van?

    Thank you once again for your help.

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  6. Unfortunately, I really can't recommend any specific rental car companies in Croatia. Many car rental companies have reliability issues, although the major international companies tend to be more reliable.

    You do not need a rental car on Hvar if you are staying close to Hvar town. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the town and more than enough restaurants, cafes, and shops to keep you busy. I would only suggest a car if you want to get out and explore the island, visiting some of the smaller villages and beaches.

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  7. In response to the questions about car insurance and the roads:

    I would direct the car insurance question to your car rental company. Let them know that you plan to cross the border to transit through Neum and ask if you will be covered. I really cannot advise if you need additional insurance because each insurance policy offers different coverage in different locations. What is important is that you are covered in case of an accident while passing through Bosnia.

    The main coastal road along the coast is wide and is not a problem to drive in a 9-seater bus. Much larger buses and trucks use the road. Even most smaller country roads are manageable in a minibus or large van.

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