The shipbuilding represents a strategic path for the development of the national economy. The ships are the most complex and perhaps the most well-known Croatian export product. Nevertheless, the shipbuilding represents a significant share of Croatian exports and the industry employs directly over 16 thousand people of various professions. It is estimated that there are over 34,000 direct and indirect jobs connected to the shipbuilding industry. Recognizing the importance of the shipbuilding in the Croatian Development Strategy, the Ministry of Economy, Labor and Entrepreneurship established the department for the development and restructuring of the shipbuilding industry. The extremely competitive environment and long-standing business problems, once the world's third industry have led to the brink of survival. Based on these findings it is important to explore the opportunities and the future of Croatian shipbuilding due to the accession to the European Union. It is necessary to analyze the shipbuilding industry and related enterprises, also the Croatian shipbuilding development strategy and the recommendations of the European Union. It is critically important to understand what the future of the European shipbuilding industry will be few years from now and offer guidance for continuing development and competitiveness of Croatian shipbuilding in the global market.