Dean Kristian Turkalj comments on the 2026 State of the EU Address

The Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Catholic University of Croatia, Associate Professor Kristian Turkalj, PhD, participated in a live viewing and discussion of the State of the Union Address delivered by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Experience Europe Centre in Zagreb on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

The State of the Union Address is delivered by the President of the European Commission before the European Parliament, presenting the Commission’s achievements over the past year as well as its priorities and initiatives for the period ahead. This year’s address highlighted issues including European competitiveness and independence, security and defence, Europe’s role in the world, and the protection of democracy and citizens.

Following the live broadcast of the address from the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Dean Turkalj discussed its key messages together with representatives of the University of Zagreb. The discussion also included Iris Goldner Lang, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law; Milica Vučković, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Political Science; and Igor Vidačak, Professor at the Faculty of Political Science.

The live viewing and discussion were organized by the European Commission Representation in Croatia and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Croatia. The programme at the Experience Europe Centre began with introductory remarks by Zrinka Ujević, Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia.

Through Dean Turkalj’s participation in the public discussion on one of the most important annual addresses at the European Union level, the Faculty of Law at the Catholic University of Croatia contributed to the discussion on current European issues and the European Union’s future priorities.