Property Forum is proud to announce that its flagship event, CEE Property Forum 2025, will open with a keynote fireside chat featuring former Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová, one of the most respected political leaders of recent years. She will sit down with Csanád Csürös, founder of Property Forum, to reflect on the key challenges and future scenarios for Central and Eastern Europe.
Since the fall of communism, CEE has been one of the world’s most remarkable economic success stories, transforming into a network of diversified, open economies with a strong and mature real estate sector. Yet, as the region faces rapid political, social and economic shifts, pressing questions remain: What lies ahead for CEE? Which political paths will the region take? Will the countries of CEE follow similar trends or continue along diverse trajectories? How can the region thrive in a rapidly changing global political climate?
In this exclusive opening session, Čaputová will offer her perspectives on unity and diversity within CEE, strategies for resilience in uncertain times, and the challenges and opportunities shaping societies across the region. Her conversation with Property Forum's Founder will provide a unique opportunity for business leaders to gain insights into the political and societal forces influencing their operating environment.
Zuzana Čaputová
Former President of Slovakia
Zuzana Čaputová served as the president of Slovakia from 2019 to 2024. A lawyer by profession, she was a strong advocate for the rule of law, environmental protection, and women's rights. As a public interest lawyer, she focused on judicial reform, anti-corruption efforts, and public official accountability, often in collaboration with the non-profit sector. Čaputová also took on cases related to environmental protection and earned the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2016. Čaputová took office on June 15, 2019 and became the first female president in the Visegrád Four. In 2020, she was ranked 83rd on Forbes' list of the 100 most powerful women. During her presidency, Čaputová led Slovakia through crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. She was a strong advocate for human rights, the rule of law, and environmental protection. She supported marginalised groups, worked to combat gender-based violence, and promoted empathy, societal unity, and the defence of Slovakia against populism. After completing her presidential term, Čaputová spent several months at Stanford University as a Bernard and Susan Liautaud Visiting Fellow at FSI. She has received 11 international awards and 6 foreign state awards for her contributions. More »CEE Property Forum 2025, organised in Vienna, will bring together leading investors, developers, bankers and advisors from across Europe. The keynote fireside chat with Zuzana Čaputová will set the tone for a day of high-level discussions on the future of the region and its real estate industry.
