This thesis examines the path of the Republic of Croatia towards membership in the European Union, from the initial steps following the attainment of independence to the final accession on July 1, 2013. The accession process was complex and lengthy, encompassing the political, economic, and legal reforms necessary to meet the criteria for EU membership. The aim of the thesis is to explore the key phases of the accession process, including the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, obtaining candidate status, the negotiation process, and the challenges Croatia faced during this period. The thesis is based on the analysis of relevant legal documents, reports from the European Commission, as well as literature covering European integration and Croatia's accession to the EU. The impacts of membership on Croatian society and the economy have also been analyzed. The research results show that the accession process to the European Union brought significant changes to Croatian society and the legal system, including increased transparency, strengthening the rule of law, and economic growth due to access to the EU's single market and Union funds. However, challenges have also been identified that emerged during and after the accession process, such as the need for further reforms and adjustments