The conference, which was addressed by Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, pooled more than 500 participants who will discuss, among other things, the changes that happened on the economic and political fronts in the region since the last conference.
The participants were welcomed by a member of the British Parliament's House of Lords, lord Norman Lamont, who said that countries in the region were experiencing positive changes such as the development of democracy, reform of national economies, and significantly improved relations between neighbouring countries.
Addressing the participants, President Mesic said that the process of Croatia's integration with the EU had been very dynamic and that Croatia advocated the principle of a country becoming an EU member once it met all membership criteria, regardless of the readiness of other candidates.
"Within the process of EU integration, Croatia must set its key development goals which we want to preserve as our own national interests in united Europe," Mesic said. He added that this was very important in ensuring the support of Croatian citizens for European integration processes, as well as in protecting national interests in united Europe.
Mesic said that the investment climate in Croatia could be estimated as relatively favourable and that the policy of low inflation and reduced public spending ensured stable business conditions for foreign investors.
After the conference was opened, Mesic met Serbian and Montenegrin President Boris Tadic. In a joint statement to reporters, the two presidents said it was their countries' goal to join the EU and that both countries would support projects of mutual interest.