18th International Dubrovnik Forum opens

The 18th edition of the international Dubrovnik Forum conference has begun, which this year is being held under the slogan Steering Change. The focus is on the current unstable situation in the world, especially in the context of new wars and conflicts in the Middle East. The forum is attended by more than 400 participants - including foreign ministers and high-ranking state officials from numerous countries. The gathering was opened by the Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković. 

This year's Dubrovnik Forum will deal with finding paths towards peace, dignity and reconstruction in a world shaken by hostilities, turmoil and rapid change, states the program of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

The conference will feature seventeen panels on geopolitical challenges and trade relations between continents. The topics will include the Euro-Atlantic path of the Western Balkans, connecting Europe and Asia, the future of global trade and the challenges and opportunities of Europe's defense capabilities.

There will also be panels on OECD membership and the second decade of the Three Seas Initiative, as well as on Africa's progress and positioning in the global realignment, connecting economies within the New Pact for the Mediterranean, and on the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening European competitiveness and the context of defense policy.

The conference will conclude with a panel dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Split Declaration.

Jandroković: EU enlargement is an issue of geostrategic importance

The Dubrovnik Forum was opened by the Croatian Parliament Speaker, Gordan Jandroković, who stressed that EU enlargement is a geostrategic issue.

“Without a doubt, EU enlargement is an issue of geostrategic importance. A prosperous, democratic and stable neighborhood that shares the same European values is extremely important for Croatia. The political interest in enlargement should always be equally strong in Brussels and in the capitals of the member states, as well as in all candidate countries. They will always be expected to demonstrate sincere commitment to the process and European values, as well as to fulfilling the necessary criteria,” emphasized Gordan Jandroković, the Croatian Parliament Speaker.

 “The world is at a turning point where it is impossible to rule out even the most pessimistic scenarios. That is why decision-makers, especially in such demanding times, are required to provide clear leadership, prudent adaptation, and thoughtful and timely responses. Always with the aim of protecting our citizens and societies from all threats as effectively as possible,” he emphasized.

He emphasized that this is necessary if we want to be active participants in the processes taking place around us. Otherwise, we risk having these processes and changes manage us, and not the other way around.

“We can no longer run away and protect ourselves only with diplomatic phrases. There is a whole series of global crises that can escalate into global conflicts. We also have the challenge of climate change and artificial intelligence, changes in democratic standards and global alliances. We must be prepared for this,” said Jandroković.

“We need to look at the truth and prepare for the challenges of the 21st century. I believe that by acting together, respecting differences, we can strengthen our common defense capability and the system of values that made us the leading community in the world through dialogue,” said Jandroković.

“The war in Ukraine is in its fourth year, and I believe that we would all like peace, except obviously Russia, which is not giving up in its destruction. The peace that is needed must be just and lasting and respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he emphasized.

Source: HRT