The international conference titled “Growth and Resilience of Central, Eastern and Southeastern European Countries in a Fragmented World” concluded on May 30 in Dubrovnik. Organized by the Croatian National Bank (CNB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), this marked the fourth collaboration between these entities for such an event.
Participants included representatives from international institutions, central banks, governments, academia, and the business sector. Discussions focused on challenges and opportunities for Central, Eastern, and Southeastern European (CESEE) countries amid global economic fragmentation. Key topics included strengthening macroeconomic policies' resilience, CESEE countries' roles in the European single market, and structural reform priorities.
Notable speakers included Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF; Boris Vujčić, Governor of the CNB; and Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner of the European Commission.
Kristalina Georgieva emphasized: "Faced with structural headwinds and a more volatile external environment, domestic reforms present a unique opportunity to unlock the region's full potential and foster strength and resilience. Through the IMF’s surveillance and technical assistance, we are committed to supporting the CESEE region to unlock its growth potential. By acting decisively, we can transform the current challenges into opportunities and forge a brighter future for the region."
Governor Vujčić commented: "The reshaping of global value chains and re-industrialization in Europe will not happen evenly. The CESEE region must actively define its role — within the EU and beyond — to ensure it is not sidelined in these processes. It means accelerating digital transformation, advancing institutional reforms, and investing in skills needed to compete in high-value sectors. It also means strengthening the region’s ability to withstand shocks: from diversifying energy sources to modernizing infrastructure."
Throughout two days of panels and roundtables, experts discussed continuing reforms' importance for sustainable growth. Topics included fiscal space strengthening, adapting to new global realities, innovation investment, and education as prerequisites for regional resilience.
In his concluding remarks at the conference's end, CNB Governor Vujčić stressed joint action's necessity for CESEE countries to tackle an increasingly fragmented global environment effectively.