Second Annual Croatia Summit

Joan Hoey, the conference chair, will present Economist Intelligence's analysis of the global and European geopolitical and economic landscape. This session will also refer to the European Union’s plans to promote its strategic autonomy — and Croatia’s role within the bloc.

Joan Hoey, editor of The Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence 

Joan Hoey Europe Consultant

Croatia’s prime minister will present his government’s priorities in economic and social policy, regional co-operation, and defence and security.

Keynote opening address:
Andrej Plenković, prime minister of Croatia

Andrej Plenković Prime minister of Croatia

Nearly one year into President Donald Trump’s second term, America’s approach to Russia has altered both the war in Ukraine and the broader transatlantic security framework. What can the people of Ukraine expect next from Mr Trump? What role will European solidarity play in Ukraine’s future?

Dmytro Kuleba, former deputy prime minister on matters of European relations, former minister of foreign affairs, Government of Ukraine, senior fellow, The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School

Dmytro Kuleba Former deputy prime minister on matters of European relations, former minister of foreign affairs, Government of Ukraine, senior fellow

The euro-zone economy needs to pick up its pace. But a political crisis in France, and the German’s lackluster economy, present a challenging starting block during a time of intense geopolitical competition. Where can the balance of power tip the prospects of the European economy? How can the euro zone overcome the hurdles in its way?

Peter Bofinger, economist, former member of the German Council of Economic Experts

Peter Bofinger Εconomist, former member of the German Council of Economic Experts

This session will discuss the new geopolitical landscape of Europe and defence and security challenges facing the south-east of the continent.

Egemen Bağış, former minister for European Affairs, Government of Turkey
Dimitris Avramopoulos, former European commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship and former minister of foreign affairs, Government of Greece
General Sir Patrick Sanders, former chief of the general staff, Britain, chairman, Herminius Strategic Intelligence
Tomi Huhtanen, executive director, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies
Othon Anastasakis, director, European Studies Centre and South East European Studies, University of Oxford

Dimitris Avramopoulos Former European commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship and former minister of foreign affairs

General Sir Patrick Sanders Former chief of the general staff, Britain, chairman

Tomi Huhtanen Executive director

Othon Anastasakis Director, European Studies Centre and South East European Studies

This session will look at the EU’s progress at removing the final barriers to its single market, with a focus on finance, energy and innovation.

Enrico Letta, EU rapporteur on the future of the single market; president, Jacques Delors Institute; former prime minister of Italy (via connection)

Enrico Letta EU rapporteur on the future of the single market; president, Jacques Delors Institute; former prime minister of Italy (via connection)

Croatia’s extensive coastline and position at the centre of the Three Seas Initiative (3Si) regional bloc lend it a critical role for connectivity. This panel will examine the growth potential of local infrastructure projects, the opportunities arising from cross-border investment and migration and their impact on business growth

Igor Pokaz, vice-president, Croatian Chamber of Economy
Rade Ljumović, managing partner, member of government advisory group, Henley & Partners
Boris Petrušić, board of governors member and secretary-treasurer, AmCham Croatia

Igor Pokaz Vice-president

Rade Ljumović Managing partner, member of Government Advisory Group

Boris Petrušić Member of the board of governors and secretary-treasurer

Croatia and its neighbours are using technological innovation and digital transformation to improve public services and enable connectivity and investment opportunities across the region. This session will assess Croatia’s strategic location and advantages, such as skilled labour and proximity to German-speaking markets, as drivers of digitalisation.

Damir Habijan, minister for justice, public administration and digital transformation, Government of Croatia
Tonko Obuljen, president, Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries
David Born, director, Roland Berger Institute

In dialogue with business

Andrea Antoniou, vice-president, head of central & southern Europe, Iron Mountain
Ivana Mrkonjić, president of the board, Croatian Post
Boran Lončarić, chairman and chief executive, GDi
Adrian Ježina, chief executive, Telemach
Ratko Mutavdzic, WW public sector industry advisory director, Microsoft EMEA

Damir Habijan Μinister for justice, public administration and digital transformation

Tonko Obuljen President

David Born Director

Andrea Antoniou Vice-president, head of central and southern Europe

Ivana Mrkonjić President of the board

Boran Lončarić Chairman and chief executive

Adrian Ježina Chief executive

Ratko Mutavdžić WW public sector industry advisory director

The Economist in dialogue with:

Radovan Fuchs, minister of science, education and youth, Government of Croatia

Radovan Fuchs Minister of science, education and youth

Amid urbanisation, economic development and climate change, water management has become a growing challenge for south-east Europe. By investing in EU-funded infrastructure and expanding its capacity through partnerships in the region, can Croatia  emerge as a regional leader in water security? This panel will look at how highlight cross-border co-operation on shared water resources, innovation and digital solutions can be drivers for unlocking new investment opportunities in sustainable water management.

The Economist in dialogue with:
Marija Vučković, minister of environmental protection and green transition, Government of Croatia

Marija Vučković Minister of environmental protection and green transition

This panel will discuss the critical reforms needed in European economies, the impact of demographic change, and the financial resources needed for growth and innovation. It will also examine the contribution of the EU’s recovery and resilience facility to the growth of central, Eastern and south-eastern European economies.

Miljan Zdrale, regional director for central Europe, European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development
Martin Bijsterbosch, deputy head of the Euro area external sector division, European Central Bank
Colin Ellis, global credit strategist and head, Centre for Credit Research, Moody’s Ratings
Hana Huzjak, economic counsellor, Reform and Investment Task Force, European Commission

Miljan Zdrale Regional director for central Europe

Martin Bijsterbosch Deputy head of the Euro area external sector division

Colin Ellis Global credit strategist and head, Centre for Credit Research

Hana Huzjak Economic counsellor

As a member of the 3Si and a gateway to both central and south-eastern Europe, Croatia is a hub for energy logistics, cross-border electricity trading and the sector’s diversification into renewables and, liquefied natural gas. This panel will explore how the region’s dynamics strengthen the positioning of energy players in the electricity sector. It will also examine broader developments driving south-eastern Europe toward a green transition and enhanced energy security.

Gidon Bromberg, co-founder, EcoPeace Middle East
Maja Pokrovac, director, Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia
Robert Bosnjak, head of the strategic development department, Plinacro

Gidon Bromberg Co-founder

Maja Pokrovac Director

Robert Bosnjak Head of the strategic development department

The panel will explore the prospects for sustainable tourism in Croatia and how regional partnerships can encourage ecotourism initiatives throughout the region.

Setting the stage:
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, European Commission (video message)
Tonči Glavina, minister of tourism and sports, Government of Croatia

Apostolos Tzitzikostas European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism

Tonči Glavina Minister of tourism and sports