The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) is emerging as one of Europe’s most promising investment regions, with Croatia set to host a major political summit and what officials describe as the largest business forum in its modern history.
Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman said the gathering in Dubrovnik next week would bring together political leaders and around 1,500 business representatives, reflecting growing interest in the bloc spanning the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas.
Launched in 2015 by Croatia and Poland, the initiative aims to strengthen transport, energy and digital connectivity across 13 European Union member states, while also engaging strategic partners including the United States, Germany and Türkiye.
From political platform to investment hub
Officials say the initiative is increasingly shifting from a political framework to an investment-driven platform, as global geopolitical shifts — including Russia’s war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East — reshape energy and infrastructure priorities.
“The initiative is more important today than it was a decade ago,” said Romana Vlahutin, Croatia’s national coordinator for 3SI, noting that private investors are showing growing interest as governments alone cannot close infrastructure gaps.
The International Monetary Fund has estimated that more than 1 trillion euros are needed for the region to match Western Europe’s infrastructure standards.
Strategic corridor in a changing Europe
Covering a population of around 120 million, the 3SI region has recorded economic growth rates exceeding the European average, positioning itself as a key corridor linking Europe with Asia.
Grlić Radman described the region as “strategically extremely important,” adding that Croatia is increasingly recognised as a logistics, infrastructure and energy hub.
The Dubrovnik summit is expected to shape the initiative’s trajectory for the next decade, as countries seek to boost resilience and reduce dependence on external energy sources.
Global corporate and U.S. interest
The business forum is expected to attract major global companies, including Maersk, Mitsubishi, Siemens and Blackstone, alongside government delegations.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is also expected to attend, underlining Washington’s continued engagement in the region.
Officials say discussions will focus on infrastructure corridors, energy security and digital development, while Croatia is expected to promote investment in rail and energy projects, including regional gas interconnections.
The initiative already operates a $1 billion investment fund that has financed projects such as a data centre in Estonia and port infrastructure in Bulgaria.
Analysts say the growing scale of participation reflects the initiative’s evolution into a key platform for strategic investment in Europe’s east and southeast.