photo credit: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
At the end of April 2026, Dubrovnik once again confirmed its important role on the map of international business and political events by hosting the Summit and Business Forum of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI). As part of Croatia’s presidency of this important European initiative, the city hosted, on the 28th and 29th of April, heads of state and government, ministers, leading businesspeople, investors and representatives of international financial institutions from around the world.
It was one of the most significant international events held in Croatia this year, further strengthening Dubrovnik’s position as an ideal destination for organizing high-profile political, economic and business gatherings on a global level.
Ten Years Since the Dubrovnik Declaration
This year’s summit carried special symbolism as it took place ten years after the signing of the Dubrovnik Declaration, the document that laid the foundations of the Three Seas Initiative in 2016. Croatia assumed the presidency of the initiative for the second time, confirming its active role in strengthening cooperation between the countries of the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Sea region.
The central part of the Summit was held on the 28th of April at the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, with the participation of presidents, prime ministers of member states, strategic partners and international organizations. The host of the event was the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who emphasized that Dubrovnik had given its name to the Initiative’s joint activities ten years ago and highlighted the importance of the city as a place connecting the north and south of Europe.
Discussions during the summit focused on transport, energy and digital connectivity, the development of strategic infrastructure, energy security and increasing the resilience and competitiveness of the European Union in the context of a changing global security and economic environment.
Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation with strategic partners, with the strong presence of the United States and Japan standing out. A number of agreements and declarations were signed in the fields of energy, investment, seaports and new technologies. Among them was the Agreement on the Southern Gas Interconnection between the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will connect Bosnia and Herzegovina with the LNG terminal on the island of Krk, further strengthening energy security and diversification of supply routes in Southeast Europe.
Business Forum Gathered Nearly 1,500 Participants From 45 Countries
Alongside the summit, the Business Forum of the Three Seas Initiative was held at the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik, gathering nearly 1,500 participants from 45 countries across four continents. Participants included decision-makers, business leaders, investors, representatives of financial institutions and technology companies.
The forum programme focused on key areas of regional development, transport, energy, the digital industry, finance, dual-use technologies, data centres and artificial intelligence. Numerous panels discussed the financing of infrastructure projects, energy transition, logistics corridors and new global trade routes.
Special attention was given to digital transformation and the development of advanced technologies, including investments in artificial intelligence and data centres, as well as cooperation with Croatian technology and industrial companies such as Končar.
The forum once again demonstrated the economic strength of the region between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas, a market of approximately 120 million people, with a combined GDP of €3.5 trillion in 2025 and one of the fastest-growing investment potentials in Europe.
Dubrovnik as a Destination for the Most Important International Gatherings
The organization of such a complex international event further confirmed Dubrovnik as one of the leading destinations for business tourism and international congresses in this part of Europe. Over the course of two days, the city successfully hosted a large number of high-ranking guests, international delegations and business leaders, supported by top-level organization and logistics.
The combination of security, infrastructure, high-category hotel capacities and a unique setting makes Dubrovnik an excellent choice for hosting political summits, business forums and high-level international conferences.
