Quo Vadis Europe in the 21st Century: Strengthening Democracy, Protecting Freedom and Society.
The 11th Zagreb Security Forum will take place on 9-10 October 2026 at the Hotel Westin Zagreb, Croatia. Submission dates are now open. The 11th ZSF 2026 invites scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to submit paper proposals addressing Europe’s security, democracy, and societal resilience in the face of hybrid threats and global geopolitical change.
Conference page
Read more below.
Amid rapid geopolitical shifts, hybrid threats, and growing pressure on democratic institutions, Europe faces decisive choices about its future. The 11th Zagreb Security Forum 2026 brings together leading experts, policymakers, and researchers to explore how democracy, freedom, and societal resilience can be strengthened in an increasingly complex and contested security environment.
Key themes include:
- The continuation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its long-term implications for Europe,
- Information warfare, disinformation, and influence operations targeting democratic institutions and societies,
- Security and resilience of critical infrastructure, including energy, water, food supply, and maritime (coastal and offshore) infrastructure,
- Geopolitical developments in the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, and South America and their impact on Europe,
- Balancing security, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the role of media in contemporary conflicts.
Submission Guidelines
Authors are invited to submit:
- An abstract (up to 200 words)
- A short CV
Submissions must be sent in English by email to: info@zagrebsecurityforum.com
Submission deadline: January 23, 2026
Notification of acceptance: by January 31, 2026
Authors presenting at the conference will be invited to submit revised papers for publication in the journals National Security and The Future and Strategos.
As part of the Forum, several thematic workshops will be organized, enabling in-depth discussions in smaller groups of recognized experts, with the active participation of young researchers and professionals.
Join the Forum!
