About the Forum

Foreign Policy Forum

An independent Zagreb-based think tank dedicated to informed public debate, rigorous research, and evidence-based policy recommendations in international relations and foreign affairs.

Advancing Croatia's Role in Global Policy Dialogue

The Foreign Policy Forum (FPF) is Croatia's leading independent think tank focused exclusively on international relations, foreign policy, and European affairs.

Founded in Zagreb in 2018, the Forum brings together researchers, diplomats, former officials, and civil society experts to produce policy-relevant analysis and facilitate open public discussion on the issues that shape Croatia's place in the world.

We operate at the intersection of academic rigor and practical policy engagement — translating complex geopolitical dynamics into accessible analysis for policymakers, journalists, civil society, and engaged citizens. Our work spans Croatia's foreign policy priorities, EU affairs, regional stability in the Western Balkans, transatlantic relations, and emerging security challenges.

The Forum is committed to non-partisanship and intellectual independence. We do not represent any political party, government, or commercial interest. Our findings are driven by evidence, not ideology.

2018Founded in Zagreb
40+Annual events
18Core researchers
Foreign Policy Forum panel discussion at a Zagreb conference venue

"Rigorous research, open dialogue, and a Croatia that speaks with clarity on the world stage."

Foreign Policy ForumYouTube Channel

How We Work

The Forum operates through four integrated pillars that connect independent research to public impact — from in-depth analysis to broad community engagement.

Research & Analysis

Our researchers produce policy briefs, working papers, and in-depth reports on key foreign policy questions. Every publication undergoes peer review and editorial scrutiny before release.

Public Events

We organise panel discussions, roundtables, and public lectures featuring Croatian and international experts. Events are open to all and designed to foster genuine dialogue across perspectives.

Media Engagement

Forum researchers regularly contribute expert commentary to Croatian and regional media, ensuring that independent, evidence-based perspectives reach broader audiences beyond policy circles.

Community Building

Through our fellowship programme, student network, and alumni community, we cultivate the next generation of Croatian foreign policy thinkers, connecting young professionals with senior practitioners.

Our Principles

These are the commitments that guide every piece of research we publish, every event we hold, and every partnership we enter.

  • Independence

    The Forum does not accept funding that compromises editorial independence. Our research agenda is set solely by our researchers and advisory board, free from government, party-political, or commercial direction.

  • Rigour

    We apply the highest standards of evidence-based analysis to all publications. We distinguish clearly between fact, assessment, and opinion, and we acknowledge uncertainty where it exists.

  • Openness

    Our events are free and open to all. Our publications are publicly accessible. We believe that quality foreign policy debate should not be the exclusive preserve of closed expert circles.

  • Plurality

    We deliberately convene scholars and experts across the analytical and political spectrum. Genuine dialogue requires the presence of well-argued disagreement, not manufactured consensus.

  • Impact

    Research that reaches only other researchers fails society. We are committed to translating our work into formats and channels that influence policymakers, journalists, and citizens.

Managing Board

The Forum's core team combines academic expertise, diplomatic experience, and journalistic backgrounds — united by a shared commitment to independent analysis.

View all team members
Vesna Pusić

Vesna Pusić

President of the FPF Assembly, Member of the Managing Board

Professor of sociology and former Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Led Croatia's EU accession negotiations and served as First Deputy Prime Minister

Prof. Dejan Jović

Prof. Dejan Jović

President of the FPF Managing Board

Political scientist at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Political Sciences; expert in Balkan politics and Croatian foreign policy. Widely cited in regional and international media as an analyst of post-Yugoslav politics and Croatia's role in the EU.

Božo Kovačević

Božo Kovačević

Member of the FPF Managing Board

Philosopher, liberal politician and former Croatian Ambassador to Russia. A prominent voice in Croatian foreign policy debates, he has written and lectured extensively on diplomacy, Euro-Atlantic integration, and regional security.

Transparency & Governance

The Foreign Policy Forum is committed to full financial and operational transparency. We publish our annual reports, funding sources, and governance documents openly so that our independence can be independently verified.

The Forum is registered as a non-profit civil association under Croatian law (Zakon o udrugama) and is governed by an independent board of directors. All board meetings are minuted and records are available on request.

Where Our Funding Comes From

The Forum operates on a diverse, multi-source funding model to preserve independence from any single funder. No single source represents more than 30% of annual income.

Individual Donations & Membership

Public Support

28% of annual income

European Commission / EU Projects

Institutional Grants

25% of annual income

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung & Similar Foundations

Foundation Grants

22% of annual income

Event Revenue & Consulting

Earned Income

25% of annual income

The Foreign Policy Forum operates without government funding or commercial sponsorship. Our ability to produce independent analysis and convene open public dialogue depends entirely on the support of individuals who believe this work matters.

40+

Events per year

18

Active fellows

3,200+

Community members

7

Years active