United for a Europe of Peace

The conference opened in Zagreb with an address by Prof. Dr Pavo Barišić, President of both the International and Croatian Pan-European Union. He emphasised that peace is difficult to achieve and even more difficult to preserve in the long term. Against the backdrop of international tensions and transatlantic differences, he called for greater European responsibility for its own security, stronger defence capabilities, and an acceleration of EU enlargement. Referring to Robert Schuman and Konrad Adenauer, he recalled the historical foundations of Europe's peace order and highlighted the enduring relevance of the Pan-European idea. Dr. Norbert Eschborn, Director of the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office, welcomed the strong participation of young members of the Pan-European Union. He stressed that their foremost task was to preserve and further strengthen the very essence of European identity: peace and cooperation through dialogue.

In a letter addressed to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Alain Terrenoire, Honorary President of the International Pan-European Union, called for concerted European action. In a video message, European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica underscored the importance of close cooperation in safeguarding peace and stability. Marko Pavić, a member of the Croatian Parliament representing its Speaker, Gordan Jandroković, highlighted Croatia's experience of political and societal transformation. He also reaffirmed support for the European aspirations of Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other Western Balkan countries.

The first panel discussion, entitled United Europe in the Mission of Peace, explored the contribution of European integration to safeguarding peace and the role of the Pan-European movement in promoting international understanding. Particular attention was paid to cross-border cooperation and shared values in the face of geopolitical challenges.

On the second day, the conference continued in Karlovac. Following welcoming remarks by Barišić and Karlovac Mayor Damir Mandić, the highlight of the programme was the presentation of the Medal of Merit of the German Pan-European Union to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. The award was presented by Bernd Posselt, President of the German Pan-European Union. Posselt paid tribute to Plenković's European career, from his early diplomatic service and work in the European Parliament to his tenure as Prime Minister. He particularly highlighted Croatia's accession to the Schengen Area and the eurozone, as well as Plenković's support for Ukraine, which he had already championed during his time as a Member of the European Parliament. Posselt described him as a “fighter for Europe and freedom”.

In his acceptance speech, Plenković addressed the major challenges facing Europe today, EU relations with the United States, Russia and China, and the consequences of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. He identified migration and demographic change as key issues shaping Europe's future. He also emphasised the importance of solidarity, mutual respect and shared values. Plenković praised the Pan-European Union as an important contributor to strengthening Croatia's standing in Europe and internationally.

Three further panel discussions complemented the conference programme. Under the title The European Union as a Peace-Making Project, Members of the European Parliament Karlo Ressler and Davor Ivo Stier (HDZ/EPP) discussed Europe's peace order and current political challenges. The third panel, Pan-Europe on World Peace, brought together representatives of Pan-European organisations from several European countries. The fourth discussion, Young People United for a Europe of Peace, focused on the responsibility of the younger generation. Representatives of youth organisations from Ukraine, Belgium, Germany, Montenegro, Austria, Spain and other countries exchanged views on how young people can contribute to a united and peaceful Europe.

The conference concluded with a coordination meeting of the Youth of the International Pan-European Union in Zagreb. The cooperation between the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the Croatian Pan-European Union underscored their shared commitment to European dialogue, civic and political education, and democratic values. Overall, the conference highlighted the importance of European unity in promoting peace, security and international cooperation. It also reaffirmed Europe's responsibility to strengthen its own security capabilities and to provide its neighbouring countries with a credible prospect of EU accession.