The country's obstacles to accession highlight structural challenges inherent in the European Union.
Jure Makovec/AFP/GettyImages
Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic (L) and his Slovenian counterpart, Janez Jansa
Moscow is using financial opportunities and energy projects to strengthen its influence in the region.
One of the pillars the European Union was built upon is coming under threat.
Zagreb will focus on liquefied natural gas while Moscow maintains its transit states' energy dependence.
The Western Balkans will be shaped more by external forces than by its internal dynamics.
The 17-member eurozone is slowly pulling away from the EU.
