After Croatia today closed two more policy areas in its accession negotiations with the European Union, the TI organisation issued the statement reading that "as Croatia moves forward on reforms to meet the conditions of accession to the European Union, there remain a number of significant problems still to be addressed, in particular in reforming the judiciary and fighting corruption."
"Civil society activists warn that Croatia’s reform measures must be permanent and irreversible, and supported by sufficient implementation capacities. There is concern that a clear political will to fight corruption in certain key areas is still lacking. The full and proper implementation of all reforms is essential to ensure tangible and lasting improvements for Croatian citizens and a credible enlargement process," reads the statement.
"Despite an increase in number of high profile corruption cases under investigation, there is still concern over the selectivity of investigative and prosecutorial proceedings, as well as chronic lack of valid convictions and seizures of illegally obtained property. This has raised questions over the political impartiality of the police and prosecutor's office," the NGO says.
As for the conflict of interest, the statement reads that the current mechanisms for managing this issue "are still insufficiently refined".
"The clientelism in the legislative process embodied in the controversial Law on Golf Courses which derogates proprietary rights, favours one form of investment and increases the risk of corruption at the local government level. The government has ignored the numerous complaints and public protests on this issue by leading civil society organisations, as well as citizens and local communities."
It also warns about "insufficient social and institutional support for the protection of witnesses, whistle-blowers, investigative journalists and human rights defenders, transparency and anticorruption activists".