3rd December 2024 marked the beginning of RACVIAC flagship event, the two-day „Conference on Security Challenges for Europe“. It is the 12th Conference so far organized by RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in Croatia and the George C. Marshall European Centre for Security Studies. The event kicked off at the Hotel Westin in Zagreb.
This joint initiative is aimed at maintaining a regional platform for addressing transformation processes in South East European (SEE) countries in view of the EU and NATO membership responsibilities and institutional readiness, primarily considering the required security sector reform activities within the context of contemporary security challenges.
This year the Conference main objectives are closely connected to the strategic shifts in Europe with emphasis on SE Europe. It will discuss Russian aggression on Ukraine and weaponization of everything. Ecology, technology and the energy perspective and challenges from beyond will also be addressed as well as EU enlargement.
The Conference was opened by H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, RACVIAC Director, H.E. Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Republic of Croatia, Academician Željko Reiner, Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Holger H. Haibach, Head of the KAS Office in the Republic of Croatia, and Prof. Dr. Ralf Roloff, Deputy Dean, George C. Marshall European Centre for Security Studies.
The audience was warmly welcomed in the introductory messages made by H.E. Christian Hellbach, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Croatia, and H.E. Nathalie Rayes, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Croatia.
Opening the Conference H.E. Ambassador Grigorie underlined the importance of the twelfth conference in a series of similar events, which is the biggest RACVIAC event in terms of participation, as well as an annual flagship event for the Centre.
The Director of RACVIAC introduced the agenda of the Conference, emphasizing its focus on the critical “Strategic Shifts” reshaping Europe and South East Europe. “This year’s Conference seeks to address the security implications of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the Middle East crisis, exploring their effects on SE Europe and the Euro-Atlantic community”, he stated.
The first panel, “The Russian War Against Ukraine and the Weaponization of Everything,” will examine the unconventional means employed in modern conflicts, from energy and food supplies to disinformation and will discuss countermeasures, including energy diversification and strategies to uphold international law, underscoring the global threat posed by the normalization of such tactics.
The second panel, “Ecology, Technology, and Energy in South East Europe”, will explore the intersection of environmental challenges and technological opportunities. South East Europe, with its rich natural resources, is uniquely positioned to lead the way in renewable energy and sustainable development.
The third panel, “Challenges from Beyond”, will shift attention to broader geopolitical dynamics, including the interconnectedness of the Baltic, Black Sea, and Arctic regions. The panel will address hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks and migration flows, proposing integrated solutions to protect the region’s interests while safeguarding human rights and humanitarian principles.
Finally, the fourth panel, “EU Enlargement”, will delve into the transformative potential of European integration for the Western Balkans. Panellists will discuss the reforms needed to advance this process and the strategic benefits of embracing the Western Balkans as full partners in a united Europe.
The Director concluded by expressing gratitude for the participants’ commitment and expressing hope that the debates will focus on the main challenges giving solutions in order to create stability and prosperity of the region.
H.E. Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, on behalf of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, welcomed attendees and said that over the years, the “Conference on Security Challenges for Europe” has become one of the central events in Croatia when it comes to discussing security issues.
This year’s theme, “Strategic Shifts,” reflects the current global situation, notably shaped by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has transformed international relations. NATO is returning to its core mission of transatlantic deterrence and defense, while strengthening ties with non-Western powers. The EU is also increasingly focused on resilience in security and defense.
The Russian invasion has led to NATO expansion, strengthening the alliance, while Russia seeks ties with countries antagonistic to the West. Ukraine has become a key geopolitical battleground, with new forms of conflict emerging, such as hybrid warfare, technological advancements, and manipulation of information and resources.
The Western Balkans is a critical area of geopolitical competition, with Russia destabilizing the region through hybrid, cyber, and economic tactics. The region’s instability provides a fertile ground for conflict and anti-EU, anti-NATO narratives, which should be firmly opposed by both institutions. Croatia has committed significant efforts to regional security and stability and will continue to support these initiatives through EU and NATO cooperation. Minister Grlić Radman emphasized the importance of strong regional partners and commended RACVIAC for its role in promoting dialogue and cooperation in South East Europe.
Academician Željko Reiner, Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, in his Opening remarks emphasized that Croatia is proud to host RACVIAC, a place where different stakeholders can meet and discuss, a place where weapons give way to diplomacy. Furthermore, he stressed the wide effects of security and pointed out that with the new and latest tech advancements we are witnessing the revolution of society. Speaking of Croatia’s Euro-Atlantic achievements, he accentuated the country’s readiness to assist its neighbours and work with them as they strive towards the EU and NATO.
Holger H. Haibach, Head of the KAS Office in the Republic of Croatia, expressed the satisfaction of working with RACVIAC for 6 years and acknowledging RACVIAC utmost importance for exchanging the information between different stakeholders to find the right solution. He stated that peace is prosperity, security, and safe surrounding. With the trainings that RACVIAC conducts, RAVIAC brings to life the following words: „Peace is more than the absence of war.“ He also praised RACVIAC for being a platform for exchange of views, an intergovernmental think thank and regional training facility.
Prof. Dr. Ralf Roloff, Deputy Dean, George C. Marshall European Centre for Security Studies, in his Opening speech commended the topic of the Conference. He thanked for the opportunity to discuss what strategic shifts mean, what the implications of the new technologies and weaponisation of everything are. “We need to put together many forms of thinking, especially creative thinking, to achieve prosperity and welfare”, he concluded.
At the end of the Opening session, H.E. Ambassador Christian Hellbach pointed out that the security challenges of today comprise more actors, more disorder and more conflicts, pushing us to revise our national security policies. In response to geopolitical challenges in the EU and across the globe, the EU is undergoing institutional reform and he referred to Germany in particular which is bringing back in focus national and collective defence.
At the very end of the Conference Opening, H.E. Ambassador Nathalie Rayes thanked the organizers for a relevant and timely conference and emphasised the importance of spirited and thought-provoking discussions. She commended Croatia’s steadfast support of brave Ukrainian people when it comes to defending their sovereignty in the face of Russia’s increasingly brutal aggression and expressed her belief that Croatia will be there to help rebuild Ukraine. Furthermore, the Ambassador praised Croatia as an example to the region when it comes to Euro-Atlantic integrations and investments in diversification of energy resources. „The United States stays committed to its Allies and friends and the transatlantic relationship is a cornerstone of US global commitments”, she underlined.
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The event will enable participants to share their national considerations connected to Euro-Atlantic integrations and the regional security situation and will seek to identify common interests and proposals to enhance regional development and diplomacy.
More than 170 participants are attending the event: representatives primarily from SEE countries, senior level national security policy makers and subject matter experts from the ministries of health, ministries of the interior, ministries of foreign affairs and defence, governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as members of the academic community involved in addressing the contemporary security challenges and policy development processes.
Over 50 embassy delegates are participating in the Conference, including 20 at the level of ambassadors.
