The European security architecture is at a crossroads, shaped by overlapping institutional mandates and diverging national interests. While NATO, the European Union’s CSDP, and the OSCE form the core pillars of this framework, the ongoing war in Ukraine and increasing geopolitical polarisation have revealed critical fault lines. These developments have reignited debates on European strategic autonomy, the feasibility of a common defence policy, and the future of transatlantic security cooperation. As hybrid threats—from cyberattacks to disinformation campaigns—blur the lines between war and peace, the continent faces mounting pressure to build a more coherent and responsive security model.
This session will discuss the institutional structure of European security, assess the impact of current crises such as the Russia–Ukraine war, and explore the evolving role of NATO–EU cooperation. Special focus will be given to the legal and operational interplay between existing frameworks, regional security dynamics in Eastern and Southern Europe, and the tension between national sovereignty and collective defence ambitions. In this context, speakers will discuss the strengths and limitations of Europe’s current security architecture and evaluate possible pathways toward a more integrated and adaptive defence posture.
Discussion Themes:
- To what extent can the EU achieve strategic autonomy in security and defence without weakening transatlantic ties?
- How effective is the current division of roles between NATO, the EU, and the OSCE in responding to hybrid threats and regional crises?
- What are the main obstacles to building a unified European security architecture, and how can they be addressed?
- In light of the Russia–Ukraine war, how should Europe redefine its threat perception and defence priorities?