Dr. Senada Šelo Šabić, Scientific Adviser at the Institute for Development and International Relations, participated in a youth conference of the EPP political family, held as part of the EDS Study Mission Zagreb 2026 programme.
On Saturday, 30 May 2026, Dr. Šelo Šabić took part in the panel discussion “Geopolitical and Security Perspective of the Republic of Croatia”, held in the Stablo znanja hall at the Student Centre in Zagreb. The panel also included Prof. Igor Vidačak, PhD, and Assistant Professor Josip Lučev, PhD.
In her contribution, Dr. Šelo Šabić addressed growing political polarisation and its effects on the preservation of liberal democratic institutions in Europe. She paid particular attention to the European Union’s capacity for enlargement in the context of accelerating geopolitical change, the war in Ukraine, security challenges in Europe’s neighbourhood, and shifts in the international order.
The discussion also covered internal social polarisation, particularly among younger generations, and the potential effects of these trends on public support for EU enlargement and deeper European integration. Dr. Šelo Šabić underlined the importance of maintaining trust in democratic institutions, strengthening social cohesion, and pursuing a credible enlargement policy as key elements of European stability and security.
Dr. Šelo Šabić’s participation in the conference confirms IRMO’s continued contribution to discussions on European security, democratic resilience, EU enlargement, and geopolitical challenges affecting Croatia, Southeast Europe, and the wider European space.
