2013 was the year of achieving the big goal, the year of hope, but also the year of disappointment. During the past year we realised one of the biggest generational goals. Croatia has become the 28th EU member state. We still remember the pride and satisfaction we felt on July 1st. We enjoyed when others from the big union of the European peoples and states comprehended that we are a democratic, progressing and a European nation in all aspects. It was good to hear praises and congratulations not only by representatives of the EU nations, but also by neighbours of ours who are still not in the Union, but are on their way to become.
http://www.euinside.eu/en/blog/is-croatia-what-it-claimed-to-be-before-eu-accession