Regions are socially constructed and consequently changeable, and therefore difficult to define. This applies also to Central Europe, of which there are various definitions, and in it or in connection to it, several different co-operation formats have been formed. Consequently, states in the region do not enjoy the same status/position. Slovenia and Croatia are states with a similar historical experience that at least partially define themselves as Central European and are usually not regarded as a centre of Central Europe. This raises the question of their relation to the centre, defined as the Visegrad Group (V4). This MA thesis studies the consequences of these relations for Central Europe and for these states. It looks for answers to the question of how the activities of Slovenia, Croatia and the V4 states influence the strengthening of the region and the »centrality« of V4 and the »non-centrality« of Slovenia and Croatia. Answers are sought with the help of social constructivism and new regionalism approach. The thesis demonstrates that Slovenia and Croatia are moving closer to the centre while Croatia's »Central European centrality« is (still) weaker than that of Slovenia (inclusion in regional formats, foreign policy in the region, presence at the V4 meetings). The activities of both states as »non-central« and of V4 as the centre have been strengthening Central Europe and thus also raising its regionness. The activities of V4 in which Slovenia and Croatia are not involved have been preventing their full transformation from non-central to »central« Central European states.
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