Events

Maritime Security as Part of European Resilience

New Threats to Critical Port Infrastructure

At a time of growing geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats and increasing dependencies within global supply chains, maritime security is becoming an increasingly important concern across a wide range of policy areas and for governments throughout Europe and beyond. The protection of maritime infrastructure is gaining strategic importance. Ports are not only hubs of international trade and energy supply, but also potential targets of emerging security threats whose consequences extend far beyond national borders.

Security Challenges for Europe

The Centre for Security Cooperation – RACVIAC hosted together with the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office the 14th Conference on Security Challenges for Europe from November 3rd to 4th,2026, in Zagreb, Croatia. The two-day event brought together more than 150 participants, including representatives of diplomatic missions from over 35 countries, senior government officials, representatives of the military and defence sectors, and experts from academic and international institutions. The conference provided a platform for discussing key developments and challenges facing the European and international security order.

A New Migration Space?

Transnational Perspectives on Labour Migration from Asia to Central and Eastern Europe

The international conference “A New Migration Space? Transnational Perspectives on Labour Migration from Asia to Central and Eastern Europe” took place on October 29th, 2026, in Zagreb. The event was organised by the Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences and the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office, with support from the ERSTE Foundation and the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS) in Regensburg. The conference focused on the changing patterns of migration in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. While these countries have traditionally been characterised by emigration, they are increasingly becoming destinations for international labour migration. In particular, the arrival of workers from South and Southeast Asia is presenting new challenges for policymakers, businesses and societies. Researchers from Europe and Asia discussed the drivers of these developments, the working and living conditions of migrant workers, and ways to establish fair migration policies coordinated across national borders.

United for a Europe of Peace

International Conference

The international Pan-European Conference United for a Europe of Peace took place from October 22nd to 24th, 2026, in Zagreb and Karlovac, Croatia. The conference brought together representatives from politics, academia, European institutions and Pan-European organisations, as well as young European leaders. The discussions focused on European integration, the European Union as a peace project, and the shared responsibility for Europe's future. The event was organised by the Croatian Pan-European Union (HPEU), in cooperation with the International Pan-European Union, the Academic Community “Dr Ante Starčević”, and the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office.

Young Voices in Politics: From Neighbors to Partners

Young Centre-Right Leadership in Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro

From October 16th to 18th, the international seminar “Young Voices in Politics: From Neighbors to Partners – Young Centre-Right Leadership in Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro” took place in Rovinj, Croatia. The seminar focused on strengthening cross-border cooperation between political parties and fostering the next generation of political leaders. It was organised by the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office, in cooperation with the Croatian Statehood Foundation (ZHDZ) and the “Dr. Jože Pučnik” Institute (IJP). The event brought together young political leaders, representatives of the executive and legislative branches, Members of the European Parliament and experts from Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro.

Quo Vadis Europe in the 21st Century

Strengthening Democracy, Protecting Freedom and Society

The 11th Zagreb Security Forum took place in Zagreb from October 9th to 10th, 2026, under the overarching theme “Quo Vadis Europe in the 21st Century: Strengthening Democracy, Protecting Freedom and Society.” The event brought together around 220 participants from 29 countries, including international experts, academics, policymakers and representatives of relevant security institutions. Discussions focused on Europe’s security and geopolitical challenges and on how to strengthen democracy, freedom and societal resilience in the face of hybrid threats and shifting global power dynamics.

Evaluating History from the Perspective of Democracy?

International Conference

The conference “Evaluating History from the Perspective of Democracy?” was held in Zadar from October 4th to 7th, 2026 at the University of Zadar organized by the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office and the Department of Philosophy of the University of Zadar. The conference brought together scholars from Europe and Asia working in philosophy, political theory, theology, history, and related disciplines to discuss the relationship between democracy, history, truth, and political institutions.

Political Academy

Certificate Handover

Organized by the Croatian Statehood Foundation (ZHDZ) and the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office, a ceremonial Certificate Handover to the participants of the 19th generation of the ZHDZ Political Academy was held in Zagreb on 26 September 2026. A total of 48 participants successfully completed the one-year political education programme, thereby joining the Political Academy’s alumni network.

Slovenia’s Role in Europe: Exchange with Janez Janša on Bilateral and European Perspectives

Political Academy

As part of the Dr. Jože Pučnik Academy, Dr. Norbert Eschborn, Director of the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office, recently met with Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Slovenia and Chairman of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), in Ljubljana.

Young Leaders Across Borders

Youth Organizations, Democratic Resilience and Political Responsibility

The seminar “Young Leaders Across Borders” brought together the presidencies of the Youth organisations of the HDZ (MHDZ) and SDS from Croatia and Slovenia for three days of exchange, discussion and practical training. The seminar was jointly organised by the KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office, the Croatian Statehood Foundation (ZHDZ) and the Dr. Jože Pučnik Institute (IJP). The event aimed to strengthen cross-border cooperation, enhance participants’ political and communication skills, and examine the role of political youth organisations in strengthening democratic resilience and promoting responsible political communication.