On 19 September 2025, the ERSA Croatia Conference entitled “Regional Development in an Age of Uncertainty – A Future Defined by Compromises” was held in Split, bringing together key experts and decision-makers to discuss the future and sustainability of regional development in Croatia and the European Union.
The Institute for Development and International Relations made a significant contribution to the conference: Director Dr. Jakša Puljiz gave an introductory lecture on “Regional Development in the New Member States: Main Trends and Challenges”. Emerita Dr. Sanja Maleković moderated the round table entitled “Achieving Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion in Croatia”, while Ivana Biondić Jazbec also participated in the conference. The conference is supported by the EURIMPACT project.
Prominent participants included Prof. Andrés Rodrigues-Pose from the London School of Economics, Hana Huzjak, Senior Economic Advisor in the European Commission’s Reform and Investment Task Force, and Aida Liha Matejiček from DG REGIO.
The conference was organized by the Faculty of Economics, University of Split and IRMO, in partnership with the European Commission Representation in Croatia, with the support of the Technology Park Split and the Ministry of Regional Development and European Union Funds.
The main goal of the conference was to open a discussion on how the uncertainties of the modern era – from economic and social to geopolitical – shape regional development processes and what compromises are necessary to achieve a sustainable future for Croatia and the European Union.
