Croatia

The Civil Society Index was first implemented in Croatia from 2000 to 2002 by the Centre for Development of Non-Profit Organizations (CERANEO), leading to a first report.

From 2003 to 2006, it was implemented again by the Centre for Development of Non-Profit Organizations (CERANEO), with the international coordination of CIVICUS. This implementation led to the publication of an analytical country report, presenting the results of the CSI initiative in the country.

Society in Croatia: Gaining trust and establishing partnerships with the state and other stakeholders

Over that period, the Civil Society Index report for Croatia provides interesting findings on and recommendations for civil society in Croatia. Civil society in Croatia was seen as rather well balanced and of medium size. The structure and impact dimensions are slightly less developed and consequently include a larger number of weaknesses than the environment and values dimensions.

With regard to civil society’s structure, the lack of widespread and active membership in CSOs and the low levels of civic engagement are still key concerns. The low levels of trust, among CSOs and citizens in general, were also identified as a key concern. This is intensified with the generally negative coverage of civil society by the media, which often focuses on scandals.

CSOs were found to be concentrated in urban areas, however, a range of newly emerging corporate social responsibility initiatives are likely to provide substantial impetus for the development of civil society at the local level, even if these initiatives are often viewed as driven by companies’ public relations goals. Another positive finding is that CSOs appear more proactive and attentive than the state in meeting the needs of marginalized groups. Among the main recommendations were: the need for increased public trust in CSOs, increased networking and professionalism of CSOs, the need for new means of financial support and increased cooperation and communication between the state, the corporate sector and the civil society sector.

From 2008 to 2010, the Civil Society Index is being implemented once again by the Centre for Development of Non-Profit Organizations (CERANEO).

Building Identity: Future Challenegs for CSOs as professionals in the societal arena

As shown by the Croatia Civil Society Index diamond, the structure of civil society is fairly stable and moderately developed. The strongest dimension of civil society in Croatia is seen to be its level of organisation. The external environment is also assessed strongly, suggesting that there is a relatively enabling environment for civil society development.

The study shows however that the future development of civil society is endangered by low levels of citizens’ participation. This is an important issue which needs to be addressed by greater promotion of civic virtues to the public, including through the education system.

Some of the recommendations made in the report for strengthening civil society in Croatia are to encourage CSOs to develop sustainable programmes for volunteers, and to push regional and local governments to establish transparent funding criteria, based on local development priorities. At the same time, civil society should be more proactive in promoting and advocating core values to the public, by working with the media as a partner. The expected implementation of EU policies and programmes, particularly in the fields of employment, social inclusion and regional development is seen as a significant opportunity to affirm civil society’s position as an important stakeholder and to advance its role in society.

Croatia has also compiled their 2010 Policy Action Brief which serves as a guiding document to government, key constituencies and cicil society to take teh actions necessary to strengthen civil society and address weaknesses identified in the 2008-2011 CSI project.

CSI Country Reports in Croatia