From 23 to 27 October 2024, a specialist conference entitled Crovik – Current Issues in Water Supply and Drainage was held in Pula, organised by the Croatian Association for Water Supply and Sanitation. The conference brought together leading experts from Croatia and Europe in the water sector and provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and innovation. The central topics of the conference included the reform of the water supply sector and the completion of the consolidation process of public water service providers, the reduction of losses in water supply, the sustainability of energy supply, vocational training and the systematic strengthening of human resources in the water sector, as well as security in water supply as a manager of critical infrastructure.

The Director of the Institute, Associate Professor Dr Mario Šiljeg, took part in a panel discussion on current issues alongside Anja Bagarić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Environment and Green Transition, Elizabeta Kos, Director of the Directorate for Water Management and Marine Protection, Mr Zoran Đuroković, Director General of Hrvatske Vode, Mr Marko Eljug, Director of Vodovod Osijek and President of HGVIK, and Vladimir Šimić, President of the Council for Water Services. It was emphasised that the consolidation process of public water service providers must be completed. Director Šiljeg also emphasised the importance of continuous professional development of employees as one of the prerequisites for the effective operation of public water service providers.

The head of the monitoring sector, Dr Tanja Šikić, presented the work of the Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute and its role in training the water supply sector. The conference participants were informed about the activities of the Institute, in particular its role in the continuous professional development of employees of public water service providers.