almanac on security sector oversight in the Western Balkans

Reform deteriorated in the next period (1995-1999). The agent of that reversal of fortune
was undoubtedly the political elite, which brought itself and society more and
more at odds with the international community. This was fostered by a tightening grip
on society. The legal framework, however, continued to be updated and adjusted and
the levels of administrative capacities were maintained.
The third period, 2000-2003, saw incremental improvement of reform apart from internalisation
of values. Credit, again, goes to political elites: this time the SDP, and
its influence on the development of the reform processes. This was the time when
accession to NATO and the EU were started. This third period also was marked by dramatically
increasing institutional and administrative capacities. Also, serious attempts
to close the gap in regulatory quality were undertaken. There was an emphasis on
higher levels of financial accountability. Civil society finally started to take its place in
overseeing activities of the state.
Blame for the latter needs to be put on the most rigid parts of society, mostly related
to veteran groups, etc. facilitated by the then right wing parliamentary opposition.
The fourth period, 2004-2007, was marked by HDZ’s return to power. While some processes,
like building administrative capacities, improving laws, influence of external
factors, increasing importance and influence of civil society and improving transparency,
could not be stopped or reversed, some others suffered. This was most true for
the stalemate in internalisation of values that was subjected to the previous obstacle.
Most importantly, this is the period when most of the current corruption and procurement
scandals started. Again, the main cause of reversal was political influence
exerted by strategically scattered politicians and officials.
The present period, 2008-2011, is probably the most important in the history of independent
Croatia. At last, most irregularities have come to a head, many of them
being discovered, investigated, and prosecuted. This led to a completely new view
among the general public about the way policies are being framed and pursued and
in general, despite relative gloom and despair related to the economic situation and
financial crisis, it has helped to build high expectations among citizens. Any future
government, if reasonably responsible, can use this as a building block on which it
could start further development of the society and state.
While most processes (eight out of nine) show improvement, the influence of external
factors, namely the international community and its influence on further state administration
and security sector reform, shows deterioration. However, for the first time
this is an issue where the most rigid and conservative parts of society, mostly focused
around veteran groups and small far right political parties, are at odds not only with
the rest of society but also with the political mainstream. Processes reviewed can be
grouped into four streams:
• First, the most successful: building administrative capacities and improvements to
the legal framework.
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