On July 11-12, 2025, the 18th edition of the international Dubrovnik Forum was held in Dubrovnik - a symbol of Croatia’s diplomatic heritage, intercultural dialogue, and international cooperation - under the overarching theme “Channelling Change.” The two-day event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, brought together approximately 500 participants, including political leaders, experts, academics, and young leaders from Europe and around the world. The Forum served as a platform for open discussion on key challenges and opportunities in a time of deepening global divisions and accelerated change.
Key focus areas included: restoring trust, strengthening Europe’s defence capacities, cooperation between the “Global North and South,” transatlantic relations, and the role of artificial intelligence in Europe’s competitiveness and security.
The Forum was opened by Gordan Jandroković, Speaker of the Croatian Parliament; Urška Klakočar Zupančič, Speaker of the Slovenian National Assembly; and Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. They emphasized the importance of mutual understanding, respect for human dignity, and joint action in facing the challenges of today.
The Forum featured 17 panel discussions and two special events, attended by high-ranking officials from Croatia and abroad. Among them was Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković, who participated in the central leaders’ panel titled “Channelling Change” and held several bilateral meetings. Attendees also included senior officials from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States, as well as the Secretary-Generals of the OECD and the World Trade Organization (WTO), and representatives of international organizations such as NATO, the UN, and the OSCE.
A highlight was the participation of OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, who led a session focused on Croatia’s progress toward meeting the criteria for OECD accession and membership. It was confirmed that Croatia has made significant, recognized progress and is nearing full membership, with strong support for its continued reforms along that path.
The panels covered a wide range of topics: the future of global trade, European defence, digital transformation and AI, security and integration in the Western Balkans, and new regional initiatives such as the New Pact for the Mediterranean and the Three Seas Initiative. A particularly engaging discussion centered on the different interpretations of Western values and the role of young leaders from the West and beyond in fostering global cooperation.
Historical Reflection: 30 Years Since the Split Declaration
The Forum also included a special commemorative program marking the 30th anniversary of the Split Declaration, signed on July 22, 1995, which confirmed the alliance between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This declaration paved the way for ending armed conflict and laid the groundwork for the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The discussion featured key figures from that time - including former foreign ministers, diplomats, and historians - who highlighted messages of peace and the importance of historical truth as a commitment to the future of Croatian-Bosnian relations.
Ministerial Meeting: Ukraine and Southeast European Countries
As part of the Forum, a ministerial meeting was held between Ukraine and Southeast European countries, reaffirming support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic aspirations. Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman stated that “there can be no free and successful Europe without a free and successful Ukraine.”
Alongside ministers Grlić Radman and Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the meeting included representatives from Albania, Montenegro, Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Turkey.
Closing Remarks
Concluding the Forum, Minister Grlić Radman emphasized that the Dubrovnik Forum serves as a bridge between East and West, North and South - an ideal venue for promoting dialogue, cooperation, and navigating change toward a better future.
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