EDS Study Mission to Zagreb: Innovation, History, and Statehood Celebrations

ZAGREB – From May 28th to May 31st, 2026, European Democrat Students (EDS) held its latest Study Mission in the capital of Croatia, hosted in cooperation with the Croatian Academic Union (HAZ). The intensive four-day program brought together student leaders and delegates from across Europe to discuss the geopolitical future of the region, explore high-tech innovation, and mark Croatia's Statehood Day.  

Navigating Geopolitics and EU Enlargement

The academic core of the mission focused heavily on the historical perspective of Croatia’s independence, as well as its modern role within the European Union. Through comprehensive panels and lectures featuring prominent academic experts and policymakers, delegates engaged in deep discussions regarding the security challenges of the Republic of Croatia.  

A central topic of the mission was the EU enlargement process. In a dedicated panel, speakers and delegates analyzed the integration pathway of the Western Balkan countries and Ukraine, emphasizing the strategic importance of student and youth engagement in shaping a stronger, united Europe.  

Bridging History with the Future: Banski dvori & Rimac Campus

The mission uniquely combined deep-dives into historical statecraft with a look at cutting-edge European industry. Delegates had the privilege of visiting Banski dvori, the historic 19th-century Baroque building that serves as the official seat of the Croatian Government. Walking through its halls offered a perfect backdrop for high-level political updates and a deeper understanding of the country's administrative history.  

In stark contrast to the historical political center, the delegation also visited the state-of-the-art Rimac Campus. Founded by Mate Rimac, the company has grown into a global powerhouse in automotive technology. EDS delegates received a firsthand tour of the facility, learning about the engineering behind the Rimac Nevera—an all-electric hypercar that currently holds multiple world acceleration records.  

Celebrating Statehood Day with a VIP Encounter

The timing of the mission allowed delegates to experience Croatia’s Statehood and Armed Forces Day celebrations at Lake Jarun. The delegation witnessed an impressive military demonstration, highlighted by a live flypast of Croatia's modern Rafale fighter jets.  

In an exciting and unexpected turn of events, the EDS delegates had the honor of personally meeting the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, during the exhibition. To round off the authentic cultural experience, the group joined locals in enjoying the traditional military bean soup (vojnički grah), cooked on-site.  

A Word of Thanks

EDS would like to extend its warmest gratitude to our co-organizers from HAZ, the distinguished speakers, and all the delegates whose active participation made this Study Mission a resounding success.  

Supported by EPP

Disclaimer: This event received financial support from the European Parliament. The views and opinions expressed during the event are those of the speakers and participants and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Parliament.