With the framework for an open, representative and participatory democratic political system in place, NDI closed its Zagreb office in 2004. However, the Institute continues to work with Croatia’s political parties through a regional initiative to help them develop policies that reflect the interests of their voters while remaining consistent with their political ideologies. The political party system has evolved into an established field of parties on the right, left and center, with consensus on the country's geopolitical orientation. Currently in negotiations with the European Union on its accession, Croatia expects to join NATO in 2008.
Past Programs
Beginning in 1995 with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development, NDI worked with political parties, the parliament, and the civic organization GONG to support Croatia's democratic transition. Several thousand elected representatives, political party members, and civic activists, upon whom Croatian democracy rests, have participated in NDI programs.
Throughout its more than 10 years in Croatia, NDI trained party activists, leaders, and volunteers on such topics as member recruitment, voter contact, branch development, election planning, internal and external communication, and message development. As part of its efforts to strengthen the Sabor — Croatia’s parliament — NDI assisted parliamentary committees with improving their legislative operations, advised members of parliament (MPs) on constituent relations, consulted with party caucuses on allowing MPs greater input into legislative priorities, conducted political leadership workshops for women MPs to help give them a stronger voice, and worked with the Sabor to maximize its institutional capacity.
NDI also supported the efforts of GONG, a nonpartisan civic organization that has worked since 1997 to safeguard the election process, through such methods as deploying election-day observers and conducting parallel vote tabulations. The Institute assisted GONG in broadening its mandate in 2000 to include efforts to increase government and parliamentary transparency and improve communication between citizens and their elected officials.
Contact Information
For more information about these programs, use our contact form or contact:
Washington, D.C.
Robert Benjamin, Regional Director
(202) 728-5660
Subscribe to updates about Croatia
