President Milanović Opens Days of Communication Festival 2025 in Rovinj
The President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović participated today in the opening ceremony of the Days of Communication 2025 festival in Rovinj, which is being held under his patronage. In his address to festival attendees, President Milanović spoke about the role of communication in modern society, the nature of political discourse, economic indicators such as GDP, and the global and European challenges facing Croatia.
President Milanović placed the communications industry and modern media practices within a broader social and economic context. He emphasized the importance of critically examining the realities shaped by communication and stressed the need for an ethical approach in engaging with the public.
“You work in the business of projecting reality—sometimes even blurring it, if that’s what the client pays for. That raises ethical questions,” President Milanović said, referring to the ever-present tension between appearance and reality, particularly in the context of economic statistics, political messaging, and media content.
Addressing economic topics, he questioned the actual significance of gross domestic product—how it influences perceptions of a country’s success, and whether it reflects reality or an illusion.
He also reflected on Croatia’s political landscape over the past three decades, noting that despite technological and communicational advances, political structures and dynamics have remained largely the same: “Over these 30 years, Croatia has stayed within the same political paradigm—a balance of sorts. The same two parties, the same ideological clashes, the same narratives, the same accusations and counteraccusations.”
Speaking about Croatia’s relationship with the European Union, the President acknowledged both the benefits and constraints of membership: “In return, we give up our freedom to make sovereign decisions on everything. The price we pay is not negligible—our foreign and economic policies, we no longer have monetary policy, and our fiscal policy operates in a kind of vassal status.”
He underlined the importance of a self-aware and strategic approach in shaping Croatia’s future, warning against the risks of a monocultural economy.
The President also addressed the influence of global media in shaping public perceptions of world events, noting that this often involves a selective portrayal of reality that serves the interests of major powers. He cautioned that small countries like Croatia must navigate this space with great care, fully aware of their limitations but also of the need to preserve sovereignty and independence in decision-making.
Commenting on complex geopolitical dynamics and the often hypocritical standards applied to different countries, President Milanović also raised the issue of morality in the defense industry. He criticized the double standards where the same countries that promote peace also profit from wars through arms production and sales. He reminded listeners that Croatia must prioritize its own interests—without illusions about “great values” that are frequently applied inconsistently.
“To survive as a small country in that kind of environment, you essentially have to keep your mouth shut. You have to be selfish—possessive, even greedy—when it comes to protecting Croatia’s interests,” he said.
On the subject of national security and statehood, President Milanović concluded: “You cannot have a serious country without a serious army.”
In addition to President Milanović, the audience was also addressed by Dunja Ivana Ballon, Director of the Festival and the Croatian Association of Communications Agencies (HURA), as well as Jelena Fiškuš, Chair of the HURA Board.
Days of Communication 2025 is one of the leading regional events in the field of market communications, traditionally held in Rovinj. This year’s 11th edition focuses on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, regulation of the digital space, ethics in advertising, and communication strategies for the new decade.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan