Insurance Here and Now: Where Technology, Sustainability and Community Converge

Cyber threats and extreme weather events are becoming an increasing challenge for all, including the SME sector. How do you see the demand for cyber insurance evolving and what steps is Generali taking to ensure the resilience of its clients in 2026?

Cyber threats are reshaping the risk landscape and have become one of the fastest‑growing exposures in modern business. In 2026, we expect strong growth in demand for cyber insurance, particularly among SMEs, which often lack the resources for rapid recovery after an attack. SMEs need solutions that go beyond traditional policies: our comprehensive cyber package covers financial losses, business interruption, personal data breaches, regulatory notification costs, and the recovery of software and data. Clients also gain access to specialised IT experts who support them in stabilising systems and managing reputational impacts after an incident.

For individuals, we have developed a personal property insurance policy with built‑in cyber protection against digital identity theft, supported by 24/7 monitoring, alerts and assistance in cooperation with Europ Assistance and Privredna banka Zagreb. Our approach is rooted in prevention: in 2026, we are further strengthening vulnerability assessments and expanding our response partnerships, because in critical moments, speed and a reliable partner are essential.

The SME EnterPRIZE competition attracted hundreds of applications this year and rewarded sustainability projects. How do these initiatives encourage the green transition in small and medium-sized enterprises, and what are your plans for 2026?

Generali enters 2026 guided by the Group’s strategy Lifetime Partner 27: Driving Excellence, where sustainability is the foundation of every decision, because without it there is no long-term value. In this context, SME EnterPRIZE has become one of Europe’s most influential initiatives aimed at SMEs — a segment that forms the backbone of the economy but often lacks resources for strategic transformation. What began as a contest has grown into a platform that provides entrepreneurs with knowledge, visibility, and the motivation to confidently adopt sustainable business models.

More than 600 Croatian SMEs have already joined the initiative, demonstrating strong readiness for sustainable transformation when given the right tools and professional support. Its strength lies in the fact that it goes far beyond showcasing best practices — it systematically builds competencies and creates the conditions for broader transition. A key component is the annual SME Sustainability White Paper, developed by Generali and the SDA Bocconi Sustainability Lab. It is the most comprehensive European study on SME sustainability, based on data from 1,260 companies including Croatian participants, offering clear insights into risks, benefits and success factors, and translating academic research into practical guidance.

The initiative encourages SMEs to strategically review their business models, identify areas for improvement and adopt more responsible financial practices. Partnerships with banks, sector organisations and international institutions further provide access to resources and expertise.

In 2026, we will focus on expanding the initiative’s reach, strengthening partnerships, and developing tools that help SMEs integrate sustainability into everyday operations. Companies that excel in sustainable practices become catalysts for others — which is why we rightfully call them Sustainability Heroes.

Through the Human Safety Net initiative, Generali provides support to vulnerable groups and parents, with strong employee volunteer engagement. How do you evaluate the impact of this initiative on the local community, and what are your ambitions for expanding the program in 2026?

The Human Safety Net reminds us that true resilience begins in the community. Our partnership with the “Growing Up Together” Parenting Support Centre has already enabled support for more than 17,000 parents and children across Croatia, laying the foundations for sustainable, long‑lasting change that goes far beyond traditional corporate social responsibility.

The support programmes are designed for families facing challenging circumstances — from poverty and lack of social support to risks of social exclusion — and are grounded in scientific evidence, professional practice and active user participation. This ensures they are closely aligned with real family needs while helping parents build confidence and stronger parenting skills. Pre‑ and post‑intervention evaluations show measurable improvements in parenting practices and child wellbeing: greater parental self‑confidence, better understanding of the child’s perspective, fewer impulsive reactions and more positive interactions.

A major milestone has been the development of a national network of up to 1,200 trained facilitators across nearly 100 towns, ensuring that support reaches families regardless of location. The partnership ecosystem — connecting experts, academia, the social system, NGOs and donors — further reinforces the strength of this collaborative model.

Equally important is the strong volunteer engagement of our employees, which gives the initiative authenticity and additional value. In 2026, our ambition is to expand the programme’s reach, strengthen evidence‑based practices and deepen institutional cooperation to make support even more accessible and sustainable.