I have visited Croatia and I have a couple of very good Croatian friends. To me, their level of development seemed quite high and they seemed rather Westernized in everything from economics to political views. Thus, I always thought the fact they were left out of the European Union was merely bad timing and that things will be sorted out soon. Latest news was that they were scheduled to join the EU as early as 2009.
However, a couple of days ago worrisome events occured in Croatia. Political opponents of the current regime (Prime Minister Sanader) were arrested by the Zagreb police for political protests via Facebook. A Facebook group called “I bet I can find 5,000 people who dislike Sanader” became the main proof of anti-establishment behaviour 
I believe such judiciary practices are obviously not fit for an EU member, to say the very least. I’m curious on the results of the investigation commissioned by PM Sanader…
Latest news from yesterday: “Croatia’s police officials apologized on Wednesday for detaining a local web activist who had put up posters calling for an anti-government rally, but denied any political motivation for their act.” “No one in Croatia can be detained or arrested because of a different opinion or because of a protest against my or any other political view. My main task as a prime minister is to defend that right,” Sanader said in a statement. (Reuters) http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSTRE4B23D920081203
Thanks for this update! I had read a similar reply… still, the very fact that it happened is not very fortunate…