Croatia is the latest country to join the EUI, after Slovakia in 2019. It is part of the Institute’s efforts to enlarge membership, bringing in the countries that joined the European Union more recently. Discussions are ongoing with the three remaining EU states that have not yet acceded: Czech Republic, Hungary, and Lithuania.
The EUI is delighted to welcome Croatia as a contracting state and strengthen its ties with Croatian academic institutions:
“At a time when Europe and its values are under threat, the accession of a new EUI member provides hope and optimism,” said EUI President Prof. Dr. Patrizia Nanz. “I am delighted to welcome Croatia, and its researchers and academics, to our community. Together, scholars from our member states and beyond will help to define Europe’s future through excellent research and an open dialogue with politics and society.”
Each PhD researcher at the EUI receives a grant, which is funded for the first three years by a contracting state and by the EUI for the final year. Croatian citizens will also be able to apply for jobs in the EUI administration.
Prof. Dr. Radovan Fuchs, Minister of Science and Education of Croatia will visit the EUI premises in Florence on Monday 3 March. "By joining this prestigious institution, we are providing Croatian students, researchers, and scholars with access to an excellent academic environment, fostering international collaboration, and strengthening our role in shaping Europe’s higher education and research policies”, Fuchs said. “This membership will open new opportunities for Croatian academics to engage in cutting-edge research, participate in interdisciplinary projects, and contribute to addressing global challenges. Furthermore, it reinforces our commitment to European values of excellence, innovation, and knowledge sharing".
Joining the EUI also means investing in the transfer of international scientific standards into national research and education systems and training future European leaders to enhance competences in public administration. As an EUI member state, Croatia will participate in conversations on Europe's future, driven by world-class research, bringing together academics, policymakers and other actors in society.
As a contracting state, Croatia will become a member of the EUI’s highest governing body, the High Council, and contribute to research and higher education that advances Europe's cultural and scientific heritage, as outlined in the EUI Convention’s founding mission. Croatia’s accession to the EUI will be officially confirmed by the EUI High Council in June 2025.