We asked for workers. We got people instead. Integration of foreign workers in Croatia - Open Space Conference

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the Open Space conference titled “We asked for workers. We got people instead. Integration of foreign workers in Croatia”, which will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 10:00 to 15:00 in Zagreb.

This conference is dedicated to discussing the current challenges and opportunities related to the integration of foreign workers in Croatia.

Topics we will explore include:

• Labour Shortage: By 2030, Croatia is expected to require between 450,000 and 500,000 foreign workers.
• Current Contribution: Foreign workers currently make up 9% of the working population.
• Integration: What makes integration successful, and who needs to be involved?
• Challenges and Opportunities: How do foreign workers enrich our society and economy?
• Welcome: What kind of welcome have we offered to foreign workers?
• Perspective: What kind of future does Croatia have through the lens of integration, and what kind of future do foreign workers have in Croatia?
• Human Stories: How well do we truly know the people who live and work alongside us?

Purpose of the Event:
To bring together all relevant stakeholders who, in various ways, work on or are connected to the topic of foreign labour, so that we can network and jointly explore the potential for successful integration and the creation of a fairer society.

Programme Overview:

10:00 – Welcome and Introduction
10:30 – Sharing of Experiences and Perspectives
Fishbowl + World Café: Listening to real-life stories and various institutional viewpoints.
12:00 – Lunch Break and Networking
13:00 – Open Space: What’s Next?
Together we will co-create concrete steps for future cooperation, initiatives, and recommendations
14:20 – Reports and Next Steps
What matters most to whom? What will we take forward?
14:50 – Closing and Final Remarks

Open Space method:
The conference will follow the Open Space method, which encourages participants to take an active role in shaping the discussion. In essence, the method begins with a central topic, and participants themselves propose subjects for further exploration, creating a dynamic and engaging environment. Attendees then split into smaller groups to focus on specific aspects and share insights. This method fosters open and fluid communication, without a rigid schedule – ideal for generating new ideas and collaborative conclusions.

Date and Venue: Tuesday, 10 June 2025, Restaurant Maksimir, Maksimirski perivoj 3, 10000 Zagreb

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation, committed to promoting solidarity and social justice, is organising this event to encourage connection, dialogue, and the development of practical steps toward improving the integration of foreign workers. We would love to hear from you. Your experience, knowledge, and perspective can help move us beyond simply talking about “workers” – and towards truly welcoming people.

The working language will be Croatian, with English translation provided.

Please confirm your attendance by June 1st via email bruno.korica(at)fes.de .

We look forward to welcoming you!