The months preceding 15 January 1992 months were sombre, days were succeeding one another in continuous waves of destroyed Croatian towns and villages, the news on hard battles and new military positions lost to the aggressor, the scenes of funerals, pain and suffering, the rolls of honour of killed defenders and civilians and long lines of desperate, expelled and exiled people.

The recollections of those times, the lives on the battlefield or in shelters 29 years on are most strongly associated with feeling left to our own resources and neglected by Europe and the wider international community. 

Such was the context of the international recognition of the independence of Croatia, which sparked outpour of euphoria, tears of joy and massive spontaneous celebrations throughout Croatia.

Although still unrecognised themselves, the first countries to recognise Croatia were ex-Soviet Union countries – Lithuania, Ukraine, Latvia and Estonia, followed by Iceland and Germany on 19 December 1991. Germany made its decision but it it was agreed to come into effect alongside the recognitions by other members of the European Community. The first to decide to recognise Croatia ahead of others were the Holy See and Pope John Paul II (13 January and San Marino on 14 January).

The Republic of Croatia was officially recognised on 15 January 1992 by Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Canada, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Switzerland.; they were followed by Argentina (16 January), Turkey (16 February), the Russian Federation (17 February), Iran (15 March),  Japan (17 March), the United States (7 April), China (27 April), India (11 May), Indonesia (16 May).

The representations of the Republic of Croatia established “to promote the interests of the Republic of Croatia, establishment and consolidation of its state sovereignty and international presence (Official Gazette, 21/1991) were open in 1991 in Stuttgart, Munich, Brussels, Paris, Tokyo, Washington, Rome and London. After the recognition of Croatia Croatian embassies were opened in Vienna, Bonn and Rome. The recognition was crowned by the entry to the United Nations on 22 May 1992.

“This day – January 15, 1992 – will be engraved in gold letters in the 14-century-long history of the Croatian people on this sacred soil bordered by the Mura, the Drava, the Danube and the Adriatic.

Having declared its independence and sovereignty, and severing all ties with the former Yugoslav state the Republic of Croatia has achieved international recognition of its independence, and preserved its national identity throughout the history, defying all difficulties. By recognising Croatia Europe confirmed itself too in the new era of democracy and of self- determination of the peoples. Croatia – independent and sovereign – will not betray Europe and the free world to which it belongs”, said the visibly touched President Tuđman in the address he delivered in the evening.

Although 15 January 1992 was a historic and ground-breaking date, it brought no end to the war, suffering and struggle for Croatia, both those waged on the battlefields throughout the particularised and occupied country and diplomatic battles. Battles and victories ensued. It has continued to date and will extend into future. Each era needs its victors and victories, but lots of present-day and of tomorrow’s victories would not be possible without the triumph of the 15 January 1992.

Since the international recognition hereto the Republic of Croatia has nurtured diplomatic relations with most internationally recognised countries worldwide. During its independence Croatia has become a member of numerous European and global bodies, processes and initiatives. It was admitted to the Council of Europe on 6 November 1996, a full NATO member on 1 April 2009 and the 28th member of the EU on 1 July 2013.

Croatian version:

Dan kad je počela budućnost