CER, British Embassy Berlin, and UCL European Institute: Hybrid discussion on ‘The future of European security’

• Claudia Major, Head, International Security Research Division, German Institute for International & Security Affairs (SWP)
• Jana Puglierin, Head, Berlin Office, European Council on Foreign Relations
• Luigi Scazzieri, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for European Reform
• Michael Scharfschwerdt, Director Policy Planning, Federal Foreign Office, Germany

Europe faces the most threatening security environment in decades. Russia is continuing its war of aggression on Ukraine and has slowly been gaining the upper hand, in large part due to Western delays in delivering aid and increasing defence production. A Russian victory in Ukraine could embolden Putin to test NATO’s Article 5 directly, with catastrophic consequences. Threats are also proliferating to Europe’s south, with the risk of a fully-fledged Israel-Iran conflict growing. Meanwhile, the uncertain outcome of the upcoming US election is looming on the horizon.

The discussion will consider the following questions: What security threats should Europeans prepare to face in the next decade? What will Russia look like after Putin’s latest term in office? What might the US election mean for America’s part in transatlantic security? What will be the respective roles of the EU and NATO in ensuring Europe’s security? How can Europeans develop the military capabilities they need? And how will the United Kingdom fit into Europe’s future security architecture?

Kieran Drake, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Berlin, will open the event at 14:30 Berlin time, after which our speakers will make introductory remarks.

Ian Bond, Deputy Director at the CER, will then moderate a Q&A discussion held under the Chatham House Rule.