Croatia was coaxed into the bloc in 2013 with promises there would have an equal hand in the 27-nation superstate’s decisions.
But now Ivan Pernar, founder of the populist Human Shield party, has claimed Croatia has been shut out of the process during their four-year membership of the EU.
He said: ”We had been assured that we would make decisions on equal terms at the European table.
“However when we joined the EU, we only found out that nothing depends on us.
“The EU makes all the decisions which we are obliged to put into practice in strict compliance with orders from Brussels.”
The Eurosceptic politician believes free movement has caused major damage to his nation, hurting both Croatian’s population and employment levels.
And the imposing of EU taxes on the country were causing further issues for the nation.
He said: “Our agriculture has virtually died since we joined the EU and our customs duties were removed.
“The population of the country has shrunk and unemployment has risen.”
Mr Pernar added: ”If you ask ordinary Croatians what the advantage is of joining the EU, they would answer that the only benefit is for those leaving the country.”
Earlier this month furious ministers call on the EU to intervene as Croatia and Serbia head for a ‘trade war’ in a row over import taxes for fruit and vegetables.
Croatia sparked fury as it increased charges by up to 220 per cent for imports of fruit and vegetables.
Ministers from EU candidates Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro, as well as from fellow EU hopeful Bosnia, have issued an ultimatum to Croatia after a meeting of government officials in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo.
Croatian officials said the measure was imposed to improve the quality of the imports and was not intended to hurt any neighbours’ economies.
The country cited compliance with EU standards and protection of its consumers as the reason behind the import tax increase.
But the Serbian government newspaper Novosti said on Monday in Belgrade: “Ban milk and meat from Croatia.”
Serbian Trade Minister Rasim Ljajic said Croatia’s neighbours do not want a trade war, but warned of retaliatory measures if Croatia does not return to the previous tax rates.