For 600 days of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has demonstrated its unity and ability to step up as a geopolitical actor. After years of hesitancy, the EU Member States are increasing their defence budgets to meet their NATO commitments, the discussion about strategic autonomy has spread from security and defence to energy, economy and raw materials, and the Union has radically reassessed its approach to its closest neighbors and particularly to countries aspiring for EU membership. Is the EU capable of becoming a global security actor? What is the perspective of strengthened EU’s relations with its neighbors, for example through the European Political Community, in building Europe’s geopolitical strength? Can the EU revive its enlargement policy to offer a credible perspective to the candidates? And what security guarantees for Ukraine are necessary for the country’s effective reconstruction and European integration?

 

Agenda:

11:30 – 12:00          Registrations and light lunch
12:00 – 12:45          Opening remarks of speakers
12:45 - 13:30           Open discussion among participants