Mine Action 2025
The 21st International Symposium Mine Action 2025 was successfully held from April 1 to 3 in Cavtat, bringing together over 200 participants from 32 countries, along with 12 exhibitors.
Organized once again in collaboration with the Civil Protection Directorate, the event was held under the high patronage of the President of the Croatian Parliament, reflecting the national significance of mine action initiatives.
The symposium was formally opened with remarks by Katarina Markt, Managing Director of the CTRO; Marko Potrebica, President of the City Council of Dubrovnik; Frano Matušić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; and Božo Lasić, Mayor of the Municipality of Konavle and envoy of the President of the Croatian Parliament.
A highlight of the symposium was an exclusive one-on-one interview with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Davor Božinović, conducted by Katarina Markt, Managing Director of CTRO. In his address, the Minister emphasized that Croatia is now on the brink of a historic achievement: the complete clearance of all known mine-suspected areas. He reaffirmed that the country remains on track to be declared mine-free by March, 2026.
Minister Božinović also reflected on Croatia’s journey from a nation heavily impacted by landmines to one that now plays a proactive role as a donor and leader in international mine action efforts.
During the discussion, the Minister affirmed that Croatia will continue to play an active international role in mine action even after the completion of national demining efforts. This commitment will be realized through the transfer of knowledge, expert training, and the involvement of Croatian professionals in global mine action initiatives.
By 2026, Croatia is expected to achieve mine-free status, marking the successful conclusion of a 30-year humanitarian demining journey. This milestone was further elaborated by Dr. Damir Trut, Director of the Civil Protection Directorate, in his presentation titled "One step away from achieving the goal – Mine-Free Croatia in 2026"
The first day of the symposium featured a panel discussions titled “Three years after full-scale invasion on Ukraine: Insights and Lessons learned” and „Approaching mine action strategically: Global lessons learned and funding challenges“. The both panels brought together leading international experts to share their perspectives and experiences.
On the second day, the focus shifted to emerging technologies and their application in mine action. A total of ten expert speakers presented on cutting-edge technological advancements, highlighting the critical role innovation plays in enhancing the effectiveness and safety of demining operations.
Throughout the three-day symposium, attendees had the opportunity to visit the exhibition area, which featured 12 prominent exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment, technologies, and solutions in the field of mine action. These leading companies attracted significant interest with their expert presentations and live demonstrations, offering participants valuable insights into current trends, emerging tools, and innovative approaches within the sector.