Security measures in the Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik have been strengthened today due to the first visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Croatia for the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit, Croatian media reported, as quoted by BTA.
This is the third summit organized in this format – the first was held in August 2022 in Athens, and the second – in February 2024 in Tirana. The purpose of the meeting in Dubrovnik is to demonstrate the solidarity and support of the countries of Southeast Europe towards Ukraine, which has been facing Russian aggression for two and a half years.
Although this is not the first such meeting organized in Dubrovnik, it is the first time that the presence of a leader like Zelenski, who is under constant threat, is expected, Croatian national television HRT notes. Also, the presence of senior representatives of all countries is the largest ever.
„From traffic safety measures and food and drink control to measures against explosions, as well as border and foreigner control – all possible security measures have been taken, especially in the age of drones and anti-drone systems," explains Croatian security specialist Bono Marjanovic. “Snipers, counter-snipers, navy and air force included.“
Marjanovic added that probably more than 1,500 people are involved in organizing the meeting.
This is happening during the active tourist season in Dubrovnik, with around 14,000 tourists currently in the city, reports the Croatian newspaper “Jutarni”. Local residents express dissatisfaction with the choice of the city as the venue for such a meeting. Traffic is expected to be limited, and two middle schools and two high schools will not hold regular classes.
The summit will be attended by representatives of Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, Serbia, Romania and Moldova.
Participants in the meeting are expected to adopt a joint declaration, the text of which is still being discussed, but it is expected to be in line with the previous two meetings. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Zelensky will also sign a cooperation agreement between Croatia and Ukraine, which will formalize the already existing activities between the two countries.