On January 22 of this year, the Croatian people voted on a referendum on membership in the European Union. Two-thirds of the population voted for EU membership and as result, Croatia is expected to join the EU in July 2013.
Mark Jamias of PTPI’s Norfolk, Virginia Student Chapter contacted Iva Tudjaof PTPI’s Oroslavje, Croatia Student Chapter to gain her perspective on her country at this pivotal moment. This interview was originally posted on the PTPI Norfolk, Virginia Student Chapter blog:
Mark: In your opinion, what are some benefits for Croatia joining the EU? Are there any disadvantages to EU membership?
Iva: Advantages include more foreign investments, better connection with all European countries, a greater ability to study and work in the EU countries, no need to wait at borders, and more. Also, being a part of the EU gives our country a [sort] of recognition. Being a part of the EU, for me, means that in a way, we have developed as a country, and that we are worthy to be a member of a developed community.
It is hard for me to talk about disadvantages, because I was completely up for joining the EU. Those who weren’t would say stuff like: “our production will be limited, we’re going to have to replace [the] kuna (our currency) with euro,” which I don’t think is a bad thing, because at least then we will have the same currency as most European countries and we won’t have to exchange money every time we go abroad. Another disadvantage is higher prices (we shall see about that), and the fact that we’re going to be controlled by the EU. [It] is a good thing, because there has been an awful lot of corruption going on here, and without the demands and control of the EU, it would probably never be revealed.
Mark Jamias
Mark: Some people question the vote’s legitimacy, considering about 70% of Croatians voted on the referendum. Is this a major deal, in your opinion?
Iva: I believe that most people were in two minds about joining the EU; maybe they became indifferent. The [information came] from everywhere. The media and the politicians were constantly talking about the advantages of joining the EU, and there were, of course, people who protested against it, saying that we finally have our independence, and we want to give it up. (It’s a thing about our past. We’ve always formed alliances with other countries that were proven harmful for us). That probably frustrated some people and they became indifferent. I don’t think that it’s a problem that not that many people voted. Those who care about their future, and the future of their country, voted. Those who didn’t, well, it’s their problem.
Mark: Why should other people around the world care about what is going on in Croatia and in Europe?
Iva: I believe that it is good to be aware of the things that are going on in the world. That way, people could get some perspective. We are all connected. That’s why it is good to know more about the current affairs. Of course, the more we know, the less prejudice we create about other countries and nationalities.
Mark: Do you find it interesting that PTPI students, like ourselves here in the United States, know what is going on in your country?
Iva: I admire that. It is often believed that Americans are indifferent towards the rest of the world, but you’ve proven it to be wrong.
Iva Tudja
Iva: Now I have a question for you. How did you find out about all of this? Are you that informed about everything else that happens in the world? How many young people that you know are interested in world affairs?
Mark: I heard about the Croatian referendum by reading different news stories. When I have free time, I check in on the New York Times, Al-Jazeera News (Middle East), Pravda (Russia) and other news outlets from around the world. When I saw the story, I knew that such news was groundbreaking for Croatians, and I remembered you guys in Oroslavje. Along with many members of People to People International, I try to stay informed about what’s going on in the world. I’m sure you are, too. Many young people in America are not very interested in world affairs. The news here only cares about what directly affects Americans here at home. American news did not report on this Croatian vote, and many other important stories don’t make it in the news here. There are some truly interested in what’s going on in the world, but again not a lot.
Mark: How about in Croatia? Are people interested in world affairs?
Iva: Well, pretty much the same. I watch Al-Jazeera news sometimes too, and Euronews. I try to get informed, too, although I would like to be more involved in what is going on. I have a few friends who read the news on a daily basis, but not many of them are really interested.
Interview conducted February 15, 2012. Report originally published February 27, 2012 by PTPI’s Norfolk, Virginia (Hampton Roads) Student Chapter.
To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org
