In this context, the fourth international conference “Maritime Security 2026”, was held on November 5th and 6th, 2026. The event was jointly organised by the Croatian Security Association and the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office. The conference focused on the growing security challenges facing maritime ports as part of critical infrastructure. Following three successful conferences in Split, Opatija once again provided an international platform for dialogue and exchange among government institutions, port authorities, security companies, academics and experts in the fields of physical and digital security.
The importance of this issue extends far beyond the protection of individual port facilities. Maritime ports are essential hubs for international trade, energy supply and global supply chains. At the same time, they are increasingly exposed to complex threats. Cyberattacks, hybrid interference and targeted attacks against strategic infrastructure can disrupt port operations and have far-reaching economic and security implications. The central question, therefore, was how to strengthen the resilience of maritime infrastructure and develop an effective, cross-sectoral security framework.
The conference was opened by Lidija Stolica, President of the Croatian Security Association; Dr Norbert Eschborn, Director of the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office; Alexander Frank, Deputy Director General of CoESS; and Captain Darko Glažar of the Port Authority of Rijeka. In their opening remarks, they emphasised the importance of international cooperation, continuous knowledge-sharing and closer coordination among all stakeholders responsible for maritime security. In an environment characterised by cross-border supply chains and increasingly interconnected infrastructure, security risks can no longer be addressed in isolation. Instead, common standards, clearly defined responsibilities and coordinated response capabilities are required at both national and European levels.
The first session focused on European security strategies and the strategic resilience of maritime infrastructure. Participants discussed the protection of European access corridors, the harmonisation of security and control procedures across EU ports, and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure. The growing challenges of cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence were also addressed. The discussions highlighted the increasing interconnection between physical and digital security threats, underscoring the need for comprehensive protection strategies and closer European cooperation.
The second session explored technological innovation and integrated security solutions for maritime facilities. Attention was given to the use of advanced camera, radar and sensor technologies for monitoring ports and marinas, as well as to enhanced security solutions for smaller vessels. The discussions demonstrated how these technologies can contribute to the early detection of potential threats and improve the protection of maritime infrastructure.
The third thematic session addressed the legal framework governing the protection of critical infrastructure, as well as the management of security incidents and crisis situations. The discussions particularly emphasised the need for close cooperation between public authorities and infrastructure operators, clearly defined responsibilities and efficient information-sharing mechanisms to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to emerging threats.
The conference concluded that maritime security can only be ensured through coordinated action by all relevant stakeholders. Alongside government institutions and port operators, private security companies also play an important role. Close cooperation, clearly defined responsibilities and the integration of personnel, organisational and technological security measures are essential to building an effective and resilient maritime security framework.
The “Maritime Security 2026” conference thus reaffirmed the growing importance of protecting maritime infrastructure for Europe's economic stability and strategic resilience. For Croatia, as a maritime nation with a strategically important position in the Adriatic region, strengthening maritime and port security is both a national and a European priority. The event made an important contribution to strengthening networks among public and private security stakeholders, promoting international exchange of experience and developing common approaches to emerging challenges. Through its involvement, the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office continues to support dialogue on current security policy challenges and to foster cooperation among institutions, experts and international partners.
