The importance and possibilities of Croatian and European port policy coordination and harmonization

The paper aims at analysing the basic characteristics and goals of the EU port policy and at suggesting the port policy concept that will pave the way for the development of the Croatian port system on a long- term and well-defined basis. Since the coordination and harmonization of Croatian and European port policy is a must, this paper methodically analyses the reason for lagging behind of Croatian port system and emphasizes the necessary prerequisites and measures which sholud become the guidelines of the new port policy in approaching the requirements and tendencies of the European port system development. The result obtained indicate the need for a different approach, suggesting an adequate concept and appropriate measures that will make the Croatian port system compatible with the port systems of the countries of the EU.