2004 Croatia 25 Kuna UNC Coin "EU Candidate Country"

• Mint: Croatian Monetary Institute/Zagreb Mint
• Denomination: 25 Kuna
• Quality: Uncirculated
• Issue limit: 300,000 pcs.
• Alloy: Base Metal
• Diameter: 32 mm (12-sided)
• Weight: 12.75 grams
• Box/Capsule: No/No
• Certificate: No

On February 21, 2003, Croatia became the last current country in Europe to apply for membership to the EU. The second former Yugoslav republic was awarded candidate status on 18th June, 2004, after Slovenia. In order to join the Union, the candidate countries (now only Croatia and Turkey, as Bulgaria and Romania already have joined) need to fulfill the economic and political conditions known as the Copenhagen Criteria, according to which a prospective member must:

• be a stable democracy, respecting human rights, the rule of law, and the protection of minorities. Fulfilling this criterion is key for the start of accession negotiations.
• have a functioning market economy as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union
• adopt and enforce the common rules, standards and policies that make up the body of EU law. The EU assists candidates in their efforts to implement the requirements for EU membership through a country-specific pre-accession strategy. This includes various kinds of financial assistance to improve their infrastructure and economy.

The reverse features two squares symbolizing the Republic of Croatia, placed one above the other with touching corners. The squares' edges, shown as if in motion, are formed by three lines, modeled after the early Croatian three-strand pattern. The loose lines in the right upper corner of the lower, bigger square are a symbol Croatia's openness towards the European Union. These lines stretch over to the coin ring embossed with twelve EU stars, which are interlaced by the early Croatian three-strand pattern, in symbol of Croatia's determination to become an integral part of the EU. Positioned along the mid part of the lower edge and bordered by a small square on the left and a small star on the right is the date, 18 June 2004. The inscription "REPUBLIC OF CROATIA - EU MEMBERSHIP CANDIDATE" continues from the date to the right, closing the circle on the coin.

The obverse carries the nominal value 25 Kuna, the coat of arms of Croatia, a laurel and an oak branch with fruit, and the inscription REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA (Republic of Croatia).