Points of View
Essays and Reflections on Croatia and the Wider World
By Zvonimir Frka-Petešić
HR EN FR

Following its declaration of independence, Croatia was confronted with open military aggression, the occupation of large parts of its territory, and a war that would leave a lasting mark on Europe throughout the 1990s. Yet within just a few years, it succeeded in building modern armed forces, reversing the course of the conflict, and liberating much of the occupied territory. The decisive turning point came in 1995, when Croatian military victories not only restored control over most of the remaining occupied areas in Croatia, but also fundamentally altered the military situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In cooperation with Bosniak forces, they paved the way for the Dayton Peace Accords, while the successful peaceful reintegration of eastern Slavonia in 1998 completed the restoration of Croatia’s full freedom and sovereignty.

Energy is the unseen pillar of modern freedom – the force that drives our economies, enables the comforts of daily life, and underpins the entire architecture of contemporary society. As Europe enters an era in which energy becomes increasingly scarce and costly, its ability to produce, heat, and move while consuming less will become the true test of its prudence and resilience. This text is intended as a contribution to the public debate on a crucial yet often misunderstood and overlooked issue – one whose significance goes far beyond technical or economic considerations and touches the very sustainability of our way of life. Its purpose is to deepen our understanding of the challenges ahead and to support the decisions necessary to safeguard economic standards and competitiveness, political and social stability, security, and sovereignty.

Croatia in 30 Stories – A Small Country with a Big Story

hrvatska 30
How do you present a country that is at once Central European and Mediterranean, ancient yet modern, small in size but rich in character and achievement? That was the starting point for Croatia in 30 Stories, a book that Božo Skoko and I conceived as a collection of short, engaging and insightful chapters — a kind of mosaic of Croatian identity.

Croatia since Independence (1990–2024)

This selection of 147 chronologically ordered and commented photographs brings to life the most important events that have marked the profound transformation of Croatia since its independence, following the first free elections in 1990. It includes both the political, economic, and social upheavals of the country, as well as cultural and sporting achievements that have left their mark on the collective memory of Croatians.