From May 22 to 24, 2025, over 120 leading figures from business and politics gathered at the Kempinski Hotel Adriatic in Istria, Croatia, for the fifth Strategic Economic Talks. Under the inspiring motto “SEE the Future“, the conference provided a unique platform for a trusted exchange on current global challenges and forward-looking topics.
Organized by the international consulting firm TPA in cooperation with the SEEBDN – Southeast Europe Business Development Network, the Strategic Economic Talks have established themselves as a significant event for economic and political networking in Southeast Europe.
Thomas Haneder, Partner at TPA and member of the Management Team, emphasized the growing importance of the conference: “I am delighted that we were able to welcome a record number of participants to this anniversary event this year. This was not foreseeable when we started in the middle of the COVID year 2020. The Strategic Economic Talks offer a unique space for trusted exchange and long-term cooperation. Southeast Europe in particular is a future market with enormous potential – this is where partnerships for tomorrow are forged.”
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Program Highlights
This year’s program focused on sustainable transformations, healthcare strategies, and technological shifts.
- ESG Measures in Practice: The conference opened with a high-level panel discussion dedicated to the implementation of ESG measures. Speakers included Elisabeth Köstinger, Michael Augustin, Monika Mikac, and Nataša Mikuš Žigman, among others.
- The Role of the Pharmaceutical Industry: Experts such as Kristina Piasevoli (Teva), Iva Rogovic-Lekic (GrECo), and epidemiologist Darija Kisić highlighted the importance of the pharmaceutical industry in Southeast Europe.
- Regional Development & Automotive Sector: Mayor Matija Kovač spoke about the potential of small cities, while Dieter Althaus (Magna) illuminated the challenges for the European automotive industry in a fireside chat. Representatives from DP World discussed Southeast Europe’s strategic importance for global trade.
- Artificial Intelligence & Infrastructure: Gernot Blümel and Boris Nemsic provided exciting insights into the use of Artificial Intelligence. This was followed by best-practice examples for sustainable infrastructure projects and an economic outlook for the region.
- Geopolitisches Panel: Am Abend fand ein tiefgreifendes geopolitisches Panel statt, bei dem Jovanka Porsche, Igor Luksic, Franz Geilfuß und Zuzana Pelakova globale Machtverschiebungen und deren Auswirkungen auf strategische Entscheidungen diskutierten. Der Tag klang mit einem feierlichen Gala-Dinner aus.
Networking and Sporting Highlight
A special highlight of the Strategic Economic Talks 2025 was the exclusive golf event at the picturesque Golf Adriatic course. This friendly tournament provided participants with an ideal opportunity to network and forge new contacts in a relaxed atmosphere outside of the conference sessions.
International Guest List from Business and Politics
Ein Auszug aus der Gästeliste: Mohammed Sulaiman Alfahim, Managing Director Alfahim Holding; Dieter Althaus, VP Governmental Affairs Magna Europe; Gernot Blümel, Managing Director bei Mare und ehem. Bundesminister der Republik Österreich; Markus Brier, Profi-Golfer; Cosmin Carstea, VP DP World; Stefan Embacher, Chairman of the Board RocFortis Group; Frank Geilfuß, Geschäftsstellenleiter Private Banking Berlin bei M.M.Warburg & CO; Margit Herzog, Betriebsanalystin Erste Group; Andreas Herzog, Bereichsleitung Spartenverantwortung und Underwriting Haftpflichtversicherung bei der Donau Versicherung; Darija Kisic, Wissenschaftlerin und ehemalige Arbeits- und Sozialministerin der Republik Serbien; Gerhard Kornfeld, Eigentümer und Managing Director Kornfeld Industriebeteiligung und Beratung GmbH; Elisabeth Köstinger, Unternehmerin, Aufsichtsrätin & Investorin, ehem. Bundesministerin der Republik Österreich; Matija Kovac, Bürgermeister von Celje (Slowenien); Thomas Leopoldseder, CEO bei Q Point; Harald Luchs, Geschäftsführer für Vertrieb bei AON-Austria; Igor Luksic, ehem. Premier der Republik Montenegro;
Max Mauthe, Expert on Climate, Infrastructure, Transport, Resources & Energy at the Industrial Association; Franz Maier, General Director Austria, Hungary and Southeast Europe at Atradius; Monika Mikac, CEO at NAD Capital; Zvonimir Mrsic, Operating Partner at Spitzberg Partners LLC; Boris Nemsic, Industry Advisor at KKR; Paul Pasquali, Executive Director RBI; Kristina Piasevoli, Associate Director Supply Service & Logistics at Teva Pharmaceuticals; Hans Ferdinand Porsche, Entrepreneur; Jovanka Porsche, Co-Founder and CEO at HP Capital Partners; Dietmar Reindl, Managing Director of b.house; Gerhard Schlattl, Austrian Economic Delegate in Croatia; Anton Schutti, Owner of Anton Schutti Consulting; Aleksandra Stojanovic, Director Corporate Affairs and Board Member at MK Group; Josef Stoppacher, Managing Director Weitzer Parkett Vertriebs GmbH; Katerina Zenz, Head of Austria & CEE at Mutares SE & Co.; Natasa Zigman, Director of Corporate Sustainability and Green Transformation at Podravka.
Impressions of the Conference
Here you will find a selection of photos that capture the atmosphere and highlights of the Strategic Economic Talks 2025:
We are already looking forward to next year’s Strategic Economic Talks and to welcoming you again!
