Examples how civil society leadership has improved in Croatia?

If we compare the period before and after the communist regime, progress has been made, although it went slow pace and was interrupted by the Croatian war for independence and undemocratic characteristics of government in the early 90s. NGOs have increased significantly: 1990 year there were 12 000, in 2005 27 000 and today over 51 000. The Government established the Office for Associations in 1999, and the National Foundation for Civil Society Development was established in 2003. The cooperation of civil society organizations with local government authorities was also enhanced. Funds are distributed through public tenders, space for work is provided to them often, they are invited to co-operate on many projects.

The number of citizens who are their members also went up. This is particularly the case for youth associations whose leaders / representatives, with their work and example, are showing that they can help and make positive changes in society. They offering free education and other facilities and organize humanitarian actions.

All other already-established associations do not hesitate to publicly denounce the politicians and put pressure on them. They organize protests; more often without many turnouts (here I see plenty space for improvement). Apart from criticism and pressure on politicians, many associations go out with proposals to change existing laws, making new ones or to prevent the announced law assessed as harmful.