The two-day conference, entitled "South East Europe Facing Global Challenges", will focus on economic topics, global security and the future of this region.

The event, hosted by Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, has drawn several prime ministers -- Francois Fillon of France, Donald Tusk of Poland, Borut Pahor of Slovenia, Boyko Borisov of Bulgaria, Sali Berisha of Albania, and Hashim Thaci of Kosovo.

European Union officials, including Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele, and representatives of OSCE and NATO, are also present.

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic said on Thursday that the summit "means further promotion of Croatia in the region and in Europe."

The event was formally opened by President Josipovic and Prime Minister Kosor.