Sarajevo Hosts EERIA 2025 Conference

Sarajevo, September 27, 2025 – The Fourth Annual Conference of the Eastern European Risk and Insurance Association (EERIA2025) was officially closed today at the School of Economics and Business, University of Sarajevo.

Over the past two days, Sarajevo has been the hub of the academic and professional community in the field of insurance and risk management, bringing together numerous scholars, researchers, and professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad. The conference was organized by the School of Economics and Business, University of Sarajevo, the Faculty of Economics, University of Tuzla, the Insurance Supervision Agency of FBiH, the Economic Institute Sarajevo, and EERIA.

The conference covered a wide range of topics, including the role of insurance in reducing the protection gap from natural disasters, the interconnection between the banking, insurance, and energy sectors, the development of insurance markets, insurance literacy and the factors shaping premiums, digitalization and the application of artificial intelligence in insurance, with special emphasis on ethical implications.

The conference was opened by the Dean of the School of Economics and Business in Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Meliha Bašić, who emphasized: “The conference was organized with a clear goal: to stimulate a comprehensive dialogue on contemporary challenges, trends, and innovations in the field of risk management and insurance – both globally and in Eastern Europe. Our intention is not only to exchange knowledge, but also to connect the academic community with regulators, policymakers, practitioners, and industry experts. We believe that through interdisciplinary cooperation and open dialogue, we can jointly create solutions that will strengthen the resilience and stability of our economies and societies.”

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Jasmina Selimović, Governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Professor at the School of Economics and Business in Sarajevo, also addressed the audience, stressing: “The insurance system in BiH is facing challenges, but also opening up opportunities to strengthen citizens’ trust. This is why it is crucial to invest in financial education from the earliest school years, because only in this way can we create skilled and responsible generations capable of making sound decisions – both at the individual and national level. The Central Bank of BiH remains committed to its role as guardian of stability and a partner in strengthening financial literacy and the security of our system.”

The audience was also addressed by Prof. Patricia H. Born, PhD, CIC, AIDA, President of EERIA and Professor at Florida State University, USA, who emphasized the association’s vision for advancing collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The keynote speeches of Prof. Karel Van Hulle, one of Europe’s leading experts on insurance regulation, and Ivan Luburić, particularly stood out, as they opened the conference with powerful messages about the challenges and opportunities in the insurance sector.

On this occasion, a Memorandum of Cooperation was also signed between EERIA and the School of Economics and Business, University of Sarajevo. This important agreement marks the beginning of active collaboration in research, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives that will strengthen the academic and professional community in the fields of economics, finance, and insurance. The memorandum was signed by Prof. Dr. Meliha Bašić, Dean of the School of Economics and Business, University of Sarajevo, and Prof. Patricia H. Born, PhD, CIC, AIDA, President of EERIA and Professor at Florida State University, USA.

Participants concluded that in times of climate change, technological transformation, and economic instability, the role of the insurance sector is crucial – not only in risk protection, but also in building resilience, trust, and innovation in society. It was emphasized that such gatherings do not end with the closing of the conference, but represent a continuation of cooperation, knowledge exchange, and shaping of future policies and practices.

It was particularly underlined that holding the conference in Sarajevo carries strong symbolism: a city that has historically demonstrated resilience and the capacity for renewal serves as an inspiration for the community of experts gathered around EERIA. In closing the conference, the organizers highlighted that EERIA is not just an academic network, but a community that connects people, disciplines, and sectors with the goal of shaping a sustainable future together.

University of Sarajevo – School of Economics and Business