Zagreb Hosts First "Partnering in Defence – Bavaria & Croatia" Conference
Zagreb, 2 June 2026 - Zagreb’s Hotel Sheraton is the venue today for “Partnering in Defence | Bavaria & Croatia,” a conference dedicated to partnership in security, defence and industry. It is the first event of its kind organised by the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK), in cooperation with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Zagreb and in its capacity as the representation of the Free State of Bavaria in Croatia. The conference is supported by the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy.
A Continent Rethinking Its Defences
European security and defence are undergoing profound change. Technological advances, geopolitical challenges and the strengthening of industrial capacity are raising new questions - and opening new opportunities for cooperation. The conference is conceived as a meeting point for key players in the defence and security industry, and as a spur to future partnerships between Bavaria and Croatia within the wider framework of European defence.
Opening the Conversation
Proceedings open at 9 a.m. with registration and a welcome coffee at the Sheraton (Ulica kneza Borne 2, Zagreb), with simultaneous German–Croatian interpretation provided throughout. Welcome addresses are delivered by Timo Pleyer, Director of the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Prof. Dr. Pascal Hector, German Ambassador to Croatia; and Tomislav Galić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence.
From Crisis to Capability
The day’s first substantive session is a keynote address, “From ‘Too Little of Everything’ to the Bundeswehr Special Fund: Multidimensional Strategic Positioning,” delivered by Burkhard Weber (LTC, GS), Military Attaché for Croatia and Montenegro. It is followed by introductory presentations on the perspectives of the Bavarian and Croatian defence industries, given by Isabel Grube (University of the Bundeswehr Munich – Palladion Defence Accelerator, Business & Defence Program Lead) and retired general Zdravko Jakop, Assistant Rector of the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” University of Defence and Security.
Industry in the Room
The centrepiece of the programme is a panel discussion, “Bavaria and Croatia as Partners in the European Defence Industry,” bringing together:
- Goran Basarac, CEO, Agency ALAN
- Dr. Olaf von Roeder, Senior Manager International Sales Europe, DIEHL Defence
- Dr. Ante Bakić, Management Board member for research and development, DOK-ING
- Thomas Fritzsch, Regional Sales Director, KNDS Group
- Dr. Vladimir Špišić, Head of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit, KONČAR Digital
The session, moderated by Nikolina Ćosić (ORQA), will cover current trends and technological directions in defence. The conference announcement names participating stakeholders including DIEHL Defence, KNDS Group, DOK-ING, KONČAR Digital and Agency ALAN, as well as the German industry association BDSV.
Beyond the Conference Table
Following audience questions and closing remarks, the event concludes with a joint lunch and networking session - creating space for concrete contacts and the partnerships that may shape European defence cooperation in the years ahead.
