Opening Discussion ‘Security and Defence Cooperation in EU and NATO’: German-Nordic-Baltic Forum 2024

The European and global security architecture is currently undergoing monumental changes. The effects are visible in GNBF countries: Against the background of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden have joined NATO. Meanwhile Denmark has opted into the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. Under the title “Zeitenwende”, Germany has been working on the realignment of its foreign and security policy, for instance by deploying a permanent brigade to Lithuania. The Baltic states in particular have been fighting against hybrid attacks from Russia and Belarus and preparing for, in the worst case, military confrontation.

There is common acknowledgement of the need for long-term security and defence commitments between GNBF countries as well as towards Ukraine. While unity was demonstrated at the 75th anniversary of NATO in Washington in July 2024, the financial, institutional and political commitments still diverge between the countries at times. This opening panel will discuss what NATO's role should be moving forward in supporting Ukraine against the backdrop of the November 2024 US election results. Additionally, the question of how the EU's increased security engagement can complement NATO effectively will be discussed. Furthermore, the panel will explore how the GNBF countries can be protected from (hybrid) attacks.

Agenda

Welcoming Remarks

Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, 17th Prime Minister of Lithuania, Vilnius (video message)

Dr Anna Lührmann, State Secretary, Minister of State for Europe and Climate, Federal Foreign Office, Berlin (video message)

Dr Vilius Mačkinis, Deputy Director for Science and Research, Institute of International Relations and Political Science (IIRPS), Vilnius University

Prof Dr Funda Tekin, Director, Institut für Europäische Politik, Berlin

Keynote

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, Vilnius

Discussant

Ambassador Dr Cornelius Zimmermann, Ambassador of the German Federal Republic to Lithuania, Vilnius

Prof Dr Malena Britz, Pro-Vice Chancellor & Head of Research, Swedish Defence University, Stockholm

Moderator

Dr Vilius Mačkinis, Deputy Director for Science and Research, Institute of International Relations and Political Science (IIRPS), Vilnius University

To secure your place, kindly register via the form below no later than Monday, 11 November 2024.

Registration