The Adria Future Summit has confirmed that John Jovanović, President and CEO of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), will be one of the key speakers at the 2026 edition of the event, bringing the full weight of American institutional capital and strategic intent to the region’s leading investment summit
The participation of President Jovanović signals a strong and growing commitment by the United States to supporting economic development, energy security, and infrastructure modernization in the Western Balkans. As the official export credit agency of the U.S. government, EXIM plays a key role in facilitating international trade and unlocking capital for large-scale strategic projects.
His address at the Summit will focus on how Washington views the strategic importance of the region, as well as how EXIM financial instruments, including direct loans and guarantees, can reduce the risk of major investments in next-generation energy, LNG, and digital infrastructure.
Jovanović’s participation comes at a critical moment for Montenegro and the wider Adriatic region. Positioned as Europe’s southern gateway, the region is accelerating its integration into the European Union, while simultaneously seeking to attract global capital in order to leapfrog outdated infrastructure and build next-generation energy and digital systems.
“It is a great honor to host President Jovanović at the Adria Future Summit,” said Biljana Braithwaite, Director and Founder of the Adria Future Summit. “The presence of the leadership of the U.S. EXIM Bank at the Summit underscores the geopolitical and economic weight of this moment for the region. It sends a clear message to the global investment community: the Western Balkans is open for business, supported by serious institutional capital and ready to deliver strategic infrastructure and energy transition projects.”
Drawing on his extensive experience in private sector energy investment and his previous role as Regional Director for the Western Balkans at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), President Jovanović will also speak about the practical aspects of project implementation. His insights will focus on what governments must do to unlock large-scale American private investment, moving from memoranda of understanding to concrete execution.
About the Adria Future Summit
The Adria Future Summit (April 22–24, 2026, Porto Montenegro, Tivat) is a leading platform connecting global capital, technology, and leaders with the fast-growing economies of Southeast Europe. Now in its fourth consecutive year, and previously known as the ESG Adria Summit, the event is organized by Sustineri Partners with the support of the Government of Montenegro. Through carefully curated dialogues, ministerial forums, and targeted investor matchmaking, the Summit fosters concrete partnerships in the fields of energy, digital infrastructure, and innovation.