The two-day “Conference on Security Challenges for Europe” organized by RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in Croatia and the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, kicked off today in Hotel International, Zagreb.
The Opening of the Conference was attended by MG (ret.) Jeronim Bazo, RACVIAC Director, Mr. Holger H. Haibach, Head of the KAS Office in the Republic of Croatia and Dr. Ralf Roloff, Deputy Dean, George C. Marshall Center while the Introductory Messages were delivered by H.E. Dr. Christian Hellbach, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Croatia and Ms. Amy Davison, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States of America to the Republic of Croatia. H.E. Mario Banožić, envoy of Prime Minister of Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defense of the Republic of Croatia delivered Keynote adresses.
In his Welcome Addresses MG (ret.) Bazo stated: «This year the conference’s main objectives are closely connected to the Russia–Ukraine war, its local and global impacts, and its implications for South East Europe. It will enable participants to share their national considerations connected to Euro-Atlantic integration and regional defence cooperation.«
He also pointed out that this is the tenth conference in a series of similar events which is considered to be a flagship event for RACVIAC. »Allow me at the beginning to pass our sincere gratitude to Mr. Holger Haibach, the Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation Office here in Croatia and to our academic partner in this event, the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, in particular to Doctor Rhodes, who significantly contributed to the high level of expertise in this event, which is primarily focused on the security developments that are of greatest importance for South East Europe. RACVIAC recognizes the efforts you have put into the organization of this Conference, and we sincerely hope that this solid bond of cooperation and overall synergy will continue to expand”, he stated.
Minister Banožić thanked the organizers and participants and wished them a fruitful discussion. “The Conference on Security Challenges for Europe is one of the most important events organized by RACVIAC”, Minister Banožić said stressing that some of the biggest security experts, representatives of ministries, governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as numerous members of the academic community have gathered at this Conference. Referring to the topics of the Conference the Minister said that he was glad that the current security situation caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine would be discussed.
The purpose of this event is to continue to enable open security policy and academic experts’ debates on emerging security challenges. In addition, it will strive to identify common interests and proposals to enhance regional development and diplomacy.
