Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum 2026

The panel, titled 2026 – Black Sea in Focus: Expectations from the Upcoming Bucharest 9 and NATO Summits, was moderated by Mr. Ionel NIȚU, President of New Strategy Center, who had a dialogue with H.E. Nicușor Dan, President of Romania.

The discussion highlighted the need for enhanced regional cooperation in an international environment marked by multiple security crises and increasing geopolitical competition. The panel addressed the main strategic developments in the wider Black Sea region, including the war in Ukraine, the security situation in the Middle East, and their impact on Euro-Atlantic stability. At the same time, participants underlined the importance of developing cooperation mechanisms capable of bringing together both state and non-state actors around common objectives related to peace, food security, and regional stability. The debate also emphasized that the current strategic environment requires effective platforms for dialogue and coordination able to understand and manage the concerns of various international actors, thus contributing to risk reduction and the strengthening of regional resilience.

In his remarks, the President of Romania reaffirmed that support for Ukraine remains a strategic priority and highlighted Romania's consistent contribution to NATO and European Union missions and operations. The discussion also underscored Romania's role in strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense posture on the Eastern Flank, as well as the importance of cooperation among states that share common values and strategic objectives. Particular attention was given to the relevance of the Bucharest 9 and NATO meetings for reinforcing the transatlantic partnership, enhancing interoperability, and deepening allied cooperation. Furthermore, Romania's continued foreign policy orientation toward NATO, the European Union, and its strategic partners was reaffirmed. Another important topic addressed during the panel concerned demining efforts in the Black Sea region, regarded as essential for ensuring freedom of navigation and maintaining regional maritime security.

The panel was chaired by Ms. Alisa VOGT, Programme Director International Affairs at Körber Foundation, and brought together H.E. Oana Țoiu, Ambassador Mehmet Kemal BOZAY, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, as well as a video message delivered by Géza Andreas von GEYR, State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. The discussion focused on the strategic implications of the war in Ukraine for the security of the Black Sea region and the wider Euro-Atlantic area. Particular attention was given to the need to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure, energy networks, and investment assets against the growing spectrum of hybrid threats. Participants addressed recent incidents involving drone incursions into allied airspace, emphasizing the importance of investing in counter-drone technologies, demining capabilities, and enhanced regional resilience. The debate also highlighted the role played by partners such as the United States, France, and Germany in supporting regional efforts to counter hybrid threats and reinforce deterrence capabilities.

The panel further underlined the importance of maintaining solidarity and deepening cooperation among Black Sea allies and partners in areas such as energy security, infrastructure protection, and regional connectivity. Discussions stressed the strategic relevance of understanding the economic dimension of the Black Sea region, particularly in the context of maritime trade and food security. Türkiye's contribution to the grain deal was highlighted as an important example of regional cooperation with global implications, while participants noted that developments in the Black Sea increasingly generate reverberations across the Mediterranean and the European Union as a whole. It was also emphasized that Russia's actions in both the northern and southern parts of the Alliance, including repeated airspace violations and the activities of the so-called "shadow fleet" in the Baltic Sea, represent direct challenges to European maritime and commercial security. In this context, participants stressed the need for closer coordination among allies in order to strengthen collective deterrence, resilience, and strategic preparedness across the Euro-Atlantic space.

The panel was chaired by Mr. Alexandru ȘERBAN, representing the Atlantic Council in Romania, and brought together Lieutenant General (Ret.) Ben HODGES, Member of the International Advisory Board of the New Strategy Center and former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, Ambassador Tacan ILDEM, Chairman of the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), Türkiye, Lieutenant General Eric PELTIER, Deputy Director of the Directorate General for International Relations and Strategy of the French Ministry of Armed Forces, and Mr. Glen HOWARD, President of the Saratoga Foundation, USA. The debate highlighted the growing pressures on the transatlantic relationship in an increasingly complex strategic environment marked by intensified geopolitical competition, interconnected regional conflicts, and the reconfiguration of global trade routes. It was emphasized that developments in the Strait of Hormuz have direct reverberations on global security, including the Black Sea region, illustrating the growing interdependence between strategic theatres. Reference was also made to key historical milestones in NATO's evolution and enlargement process, including the 2008 Bucharest Summit, as well as to the importance of the upcoming Ankara Summit, seen as a critical moment for the cohesion and strategic direction of the Alliance.

The discussions consistently underscored that NATO is currently undergoing significant pressure on its political cohesion and strategic posture, amid both external challenges and intensifying internal debates on burden-sharing. Participants stressed the need to strengthen the transatlantic partnership through a coordinated, coherent, and adaptive approach to emerging security realities. It was highlighted that Russia remains the principal threat to European security, while developments in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific further reinforce the global nature of current risks. At the same time, emphasis was placed on strengthening European defence capabilities, improving operational readiness, and developing the defence industrial base, including through initiatives such as SAFE and EDIP, as well as enhanced NATO cooperation frameworks. In this context, the concept of "strategic responsibility" was highlighted as a key pillar of the transatlantic relationship, alongside the need for a more balanced, resilient, and better-prepared Alliance capable of addressing multidimensional threats emanating from all strategic directions.

Panel IIIb, titled "Frozen Peace or Fair Peace? Scenarios for Ending the War in Ukraine" was chaired by Mr. Radu TUDOR, Defence Analyst, Antena 3 CNN, Romania. The invited speakers were Admiral (Ret.) Igor KABANENKO, former Deputy Minister of Defence, Ukraine, Mr. Kiril PETKOV, former Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Mr. James CARAFANO, Senior Counselor to the President and E.W. Richardson Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, USA.
The difference between a frozen peace and a fair peace may be made by the technological advances that Ukraine manages to make, as well as the financial and military support it receives from Europe. The chances for a fair peace in the long term grow as Ukraine continues with its EU accession path. At the same time, from a Ukrainian perspective, the transition from war to peace can not be achieved merely through diplomatic means; there must be a change on the battlefield. Russia bets on this year's summer offensive, which will be decisive, as it plans to draft an additional 300,000 soldiers, according to some sources. For a fair peace, security guarantees must be reliable, as a fast-track NATO membership depends on consensus between the allies, which is hard to achieve. From an American perspective, facilitating NATO and EU membership for Ukraine is not a necessary step on the road to peace. That is based on a belief that Russia cares little about the difference between NATO membership and bilateral security guarantees, and that nothing is limiting Ukraine from having such treaties.

The panel "Rare Earths Black Sea Region Potential and the Strategic Impact at Global Level", organized in partnership with Energy Policy Group, Romania, was chaired by Mr. Radu DUDĂU, President of Energy Policy Group, Romania. The speakers were: Mr. Paul COYER, Research Professor, The Institute of World Politics, USA; Mr. Sebastian BURDUJA, former Minister of Energy, Romania; Mr. Ivan US, Senior Consultant, Foreign Policy Center of the National Institute for Strategic Studies, Ukraine.

The speakers highlighted that China dominates global supply and processing chains for rare-earth mineral, creating major strategic vulnerabilities. In this context, the United States and the European Union must strengthen their cooperation to accelerate the development of alternative sources and projects. The complementarity of transatlantic resources, industrial capacities, and expertise can become a significant competitive advantage, provided that common objectives are prioritized. Ukraine possesses significant mineral potential and could contribute supplies of titanium, magnesium, and lithium — metals essential for defense, energy, and technology. However, launching industrial-scale extraction critically depends on security conditions, especially since approximately 40% of its mineral resources are located in territories occupied by the Russian army.

The panel was moderated by Mr. Cosmin IONIȚĂ, lecturer at the Faculty of History, University of Bucharest, Romania, in a dialogue with Mr. Mikhail KASYANOV, Russian opposition politician and former Prime Minister of the Russian Federation (2000–2004). The debate offered a detailed perspective on political, economic, and social developments in Russia, as well as on the way internal power dynamics shape the external behaviour of the Russian Federation. The discussion addressed the trajectory of reforms during Kasyanov's tenure, including fiscal and administrative reforms that facilitated Russia's integration into international markets, as well as the political rupture in 2004, interpreted through the lens of strategic divergences with President Vladimir Putin. It also highlighted the progressive consolidation of a governance model based on political control, information constraints, and the use of fear as an instrument of rule, with profound effects on Russian society.

In analysing recent developments, the discussion underlined the continuity of an assertive and confrontational foreign policy, with references to key moments such as the 2008 NATO Bucharest Summit, the annexation of Crimea, and the war in Georgia, interpreted as stages of a broader geopolitical strategy. At the same time, the impact of the war on Russian society was highlighted, including widening economic inequalities, widespread poverty, and increasing hardship for large segments of the population, as well as the role of state propaganda in shaping public perceptions. The debate explored possible scenarios for the evolution of the conflict, including the prospect of an end to hostilities without a stable peace agreement and the risks associated with the absence of security guarantees for Ukraine. It also emphasized the increasingly entrenched nature of Russia's war economy and the relevance of international sanctions, particularly the G7 oil price cap mechanism. Overall, the panel outlined a complex picture of potential trajectories of political succession in Russia and their implications for regional and international security.

Panel IVb, is titled "Unlocking the Black Sea: Offshore Energy Resources and the Future of European Supply", in partnership with Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), Türkiye. It was chaired by Mr. Adrian MĂNIUȚIU, Journalist, Romania. The invited speakers were Mr. Bogdan Gruia IVAN, Former Minister of Energy, Romania, Mr. Alexandru MAXIMESCU, Vice President, OMV Petrom, Romania, Ambassador Lazăr COMĂNESCU, Secretary General, Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Romania, Ambassador Tacan ILDEM, Chairman of EDAM, Türkiye and Mr. Kiril RAVNACHKI, Member of the management Board of Bulgartransgaz, Bulgaria.

Energy security serves as the fundamental pillar of economic stability in the Balkans and Black Sea region, where success depends on the principle of regional ownership - the idea that local nations are best equipped to manage their own geography. As the global energy security matrix shifts, the protection of critical infrastructure has become as vital as production itself to eliminate regional vulnerabilities. Within this framework, Romania is leveraging its vast offshore potential to become the European Union's largest gas producer through the Neptun Deep project. Scheduled for 2027 and utilizing the Domino and Pelican South reservoirs, this initiative will provide a reliable bridge for the energy transition while strictly adhering to 2030 methane and carbon intensity targets. By spearheading these efforts, Romania is establishing itself as a vital security manager in the region, fostering a common regional vision to defend energy assets and bolster the resilience of democratic governance across the Black Sea.

The panel "The Frozen Conflict in Transnistria and the Impact on Black Sea Security" was chaired by Mr. Ovidiu NAHOI, Editor-in-Chief, RFI Romania. The speakers were: Mr. Iulian GROZA, Executive Director, Institute for European Policies and Reforms, Republic of Moldova; Ms. Luminița ODOBESCU, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Romania; Major General (Ret.) Volodymyr HAVRYLOV, former Deputy Minister of Defence, Ukraine; Ambassador Victor JACKOVICH, CEO of Jackovich International, former Head of the First U.S. Representation to the Independent State of Moldova, USA; Mr. Radu BURDUJA, Executive Director, Euro-Atlantic Institute for Building Resilience, Republic of Moldova.

Russia continues to use the Transnistrian region as an instrument of hybrid pressure against the Republic of Moldova. However, the resistance of the Ukrainian army has de facto isolated Transnistria, which cannot survive in its current form without direct support from Moscow. The European Union has sent clear signals that the Tiraspol regime can no longer block or decisively influence Chișinău's European path. At the same time, Transnistrian elites understand that the opportunities generated by Moldova's rapprochement with the EU are becoming impossible to ignore. In this context, Chișinău benefits from a significant window of opportunity to manage and, in the medium term, potentially resolve the Transnistrian dispute, with the support of European partners.

The panel was chaired by Mr. Cristian HOSTIUC, Editorial Director of Ziarul Financiar, and brought together H.E. Alexandru NAZARE, Minister of Finance of Romania, Ms. Anca DRAGU, Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, Mr. Bogdan CERNESCU, Managing Director and Head of Corporate Banking at Banca Comercială Română, and Ms. Susan E. WALTON, Senior Advisor New Markets – Global Risk and Resilience, USA. The discussion examined the impact of an increasingly volatile security environment on investment decisions, highlighting the growing intersection between risk, resilience, and economic opportunity. Participants emphasized that current risk assessment models still fail to adequately incorporate emerging hybrid threats, including cyber and cognitive warfare, requiring a recalibration of the way markets and investors evaluate economic and strategic stability. In this context, Central and Eastern Europe, and Romania in particular, were presented as undervalued regions with significant growth potential, especially in light of Ukraine's future reconstruction and the expected influx of private capital and strategic investments.

The debate further highlighted the essential role of public authorities, central banks, and financial institutions in strengthening investor confidence through macroeconomic stability policies, the reduction of administrative burdens, and the development of financing mechanisms adapted to new realities, such as blended finance and capital guarantee instruments. Participants stressed the importance of protecting critical infrastructure — including energy, digital, and logistics systems — as an integral component of economic and investment security. The panel also addressed the challenges generated by inflation, volatility, and the transformation of global supply chains, while rejecting the notion that globalization is in decline, arguing instead that it is undergoing a process of adaptation and partial regionalization. Romania and the Republic of Moldova were presented as examples of economies that, despite a difficult regional environment, continue to attract investments and strengthen their profile as competitive economic destinations. Overall, participants underlined that transforming the region into a preferred destination for long-term investment depends on the ability to integrate security, predictability, and innovation into a coherent strategic economic vision.

Panel Vb, titled "The Danube Corridor: Strategic Artery for Infrastructure and Security in Europe" – in partnership with Pupin Initiative, Serbia was chaired by Mr. Ion IONIȚĂ, Senior editor Adevărul Newspaper, Romania. The invited speakers were Mr. Wilfried JILGE, Associate Fellow at the DGAP's Robert Bosch Center for Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, Germany, Mrs. Simona COJOCARU, Director, Defence Policy, Ministry of Defence, Romania, Mr. Ivan US, Senior Consultant, Foreign Policy Center of the National Institute for Strategic Studies, Ukraine and Mr. Vuk VELEBIT, President, Pupin Initiative, Serbia.

The Danube Corridor has acquired a strategic relevance that goes beyond traditional elements, becoming part of Europe's critical security infrastructure. Today, we have huge hopes for 169 billion euros at the European level for the Danube projects, a figure that can increase in future years. Nonetheless, threats remain present in the shape of Russian drone and missile strikes, mine contamination, pressure exercised by the Russian Black Sea Fleet, and even hybrid warfare and sabotage. In this context, some key priorities include increasing the air defence capabilities of Danube ports, accelerating port capacity investment, and deepening the integration between Romania and Ukraine along the corridor. At the same time, Serbia and Romania are uniquely positioned to turn the Danube corridor into the most important route in South-Eastern Europe, with Serbian ports serving as upstream and aggregation centers and Constanta as a maritime export hub. The panel also emphasized that military mobility across the Rhine-Main-Danube corridor is all the more important, especially since the Bosphorus is closed, and explored how Romania and Bulgaria's coastal defences can be reinforced via the Danube.

The panel was moderated by General (Ret.) Daniel PETRESCU, member of CEPA's International Leadership Council and former Chief of Defence of Romania, bringing together experts and officials from Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia to assess the global implications of the conflict involving Iran. The discussion highlighted that any conflict involving Iran extends far beyond the Gulf region itself, producing direct consequences for international security, energy markets, trade routes, and the broader strategic balance. Speakers emphasized the major impact on the global economy, including risks to freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, global inflationary pressures, and vulnerabilities affecting energy and commercial supply chains. The debate also underlined the intensifying geopolitical competition among major powers, particularly the growing convergence between Russia and China, as well as the increasingly significant role played by regional actors and middle powers in an international system evolving toward multipolarity.

The discussion also explored the implications of the conflict for the global security architecture and transatlantic relations. Diverging perspectives were expressed regarding the United States' ability to maintain its hegemonic role and the broader effects of the conflict on Western credibility and influence in the Middle East and Asia. Participants examined the impact of the crisis on European energy security, East Asian stability, and the distribution of American military resources, including in relation to Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, speakers stressed the importance of a coordinated and multilateral approach by the European Union and Western allies, alongside the need to strengthen resilience against hybrid threats and global strategic competition. Overall, the panel underscored the complexity of a conflict whose consequences extend far beyond the Middle East and directly affect Euro-Atlantic security and the contemporary international order.

Panel VIb titled "Enlargement Meets Geopolitics: The Accession Process of Ukraine and Moldova and the Western Balkans Experience" – in partnership with Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) Italy was chaired by Ambassador Oana Cristina POPA, Distinguished Fellow, German Marshall Fund, Romania. The keynote speaker for this panel was H.E. Mr. Igor GROSU, President of the Parliament, Republic of Moldova. The invited speakers were Mr. Matteo BONOMI, Senior Fellow, EU, politics and institutions programme, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Italy, Mrs. Svitlana KOVALCHUK, Executive Director, Yalta European Strategy, Ukraine, Mr. Aleksandar PEJOVIC, Course Chair at the Institute of European Studies, University of Tirana, former Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro and Chief Negotiator, Montenegro, and Mr. Antun DUJMOVIĆ, Expert Advisor at the Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO), Croatia.

Moldova's process of integration into the European Union remains a priority. Moldova has proven through its past elections that its population is more and more committed to the country's European trajectory. However, without a serious justice reform, the results of Moldovan efforts towards EU integration will be limited. Moldova's integration into the EU is also a matter for the EU, especially in terms of security. In the case of both Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans, security considerations remain paramount, and it is here that the European Union can show more proactivity. From a Western Balkan point of view, another issue is popular support. Experts recognized the need to alter the mindset among the citizens regarding the integration of their countries into the EU.

Moderated by Mr. Stefan HOFMANN, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung office in Bucharest, the panel explored the challenges and opportunities related to Ukraine's reconstruction, as well as Romania's strategic role in this process. Speakers emphasized that the reconstruction of Ukraine is not only an economic and infrastructure effort, but also a strategic project with major regional and European implications. The discussion highlighted the importance of developing transport and logistics infrastructure, including the modernization of the Port of Constanța, railway networks, border crossing points, and road corridors connecting Romania with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Participants also stressed Romania's potential to become the main regional hub for Ukraine's reconstruction by capitalizing on its geographical advantages and the accelerated development of infrastructure in the north-eastern and south-eastern regions of the country.

The debate further underlined the need for close cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as the importance of involving Romanian, European, and international companies in reconstruction projects. Speakers identified Ukraine's current priorities, including the rebuilding of energy infrastructure, demining and decontamination of agricultural land, the development of dual-use technologies, and the management of war-related waste. The discussion also emphasized the importance of administrative and economic reforms, customs cooperation, and the involvement of local authorities in facilitating investments and accelerating reconstruction efforts. At the same time, participants highlighted the growing interest of German and European companies in participating in projects in Ukraine, as well as the need for stronger coordination among Romania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and European partners within the broader context of European integration and regional economic resilience.

Panel VIIb, titled "Warfighting Readiness: From Factories to Frontlines. The Impact of SAFE Programme" – in partnership with Defence 24, Poland was chaired by Mr. Piotr MAŁECKI, CEO, Defence 24, Poland. The invited speakers were H.E. Mr. Irineu DARĂU, Minister of Economy, Romania, Mr. Nicolas ZIPPELIUS, Member, Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, Bundestag, Germany, MG (Ret.) Volodymyr HAVRYLOV, former Deputy Minister of Defence, Ukraine, Dr. Björn BERNHARD, CEO and Head of Division Vehicle Systems Europe Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, Germany and Mr. Éric HUBER, Vice President Surface Radar Business Line, Thales Group, France.

Investments in defence are investments in sovereignty, and SAFE is no exception. We will be able to measure the success of SAFE by 2030 by the degree to which we manage to integrate European defence industries. Our industrial actors understand that SAFE does not change the rules of the European production network; it expands it. Production capacity is key, but engineering knowledge is critical as well, in order to ensure interoperability among the equipment produced by multiple actors. The war in Ukraine has challenged the traditional industrial actors in Europe and the US. The previous focus on expansive, expensive systems is now being replaced by a focus on cheaper systems more suitable to an environment dominated by unmanned systems. Two other key areas of development are ballistic capabilities and air defences against such capabilities. There is no ballistic capability in Europe. No long-strike capabilities. Ukraine is currently developing such capabilities domestically, and it hopes to test them this summer, directly on the battlefield.

The discussion within the panel "War, Weather and the World's Breadbasket. Black Sea's Role in Food Security Amid Conflict and Climate Stress" was moderated by Mr. Teodor TRAȘCĂ, Vice-Rector, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (USAMV), Romania. Contributions were delivered by: Mr. Ivan US, Senior Consultant, Foreign Policy Center of the National Institute for Strategic Studies, Ukraine; Mr. Jean VALVIS, CEO, Valvis Holding, Romania; Mr. Florian CIOLACU, Executive Director, Romanian Farmers Club, Romania.

During the discussion, the speakers emphasized that the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine has undermined the balance of global food security, with Moscow using certain states' dependence on agricultural resources as a vector of hybrid pressure. Despite the blockade in the Black Sea basin, which heightened the risk of a major food crisis, Ukraine managed to maintain essential trade flows through alternative corridors, including through Romania's territorial waters. Although Ukraine's accession to the European Union could contribute to strengthening the EU's agricultural sector, this process requires rigorous legislative harmonization and strict alignment with production standards in order to avoid competitive imbalances.

Against the backdrop of the end of the era of food abundance, Romania faces deep structural vulnerabilities: fragile supply chains, severe climate pressures, and an investment gap in agriculture estimated at EUR 11 billion. In this context, modernizing agricultural infrastructure and training the next generation of farmers represent strategic imperatives for strengthening national security. Developing a resilient food strategy is therefore essential to reducing systemic risks and reinforcing Romania's strategic role in the region.

The panel examined the future of transatlantic relations amid growing debates regarding NATO's cohesion, European strategic autonomy, and the evolving role of the United States in global security. General Sir James Everard argued that NATO remains resilient despite recurring historical crises, emphasizing that tensions between American leadership and European autonomy are not new. In contrast, Ambassador Michele Valensise warned that the alliance increasingly risks shifting from a "community of values" toward a more pragmatic "community of interests," pointing to disagreements over multilateralism, the use of force, and recent tensions surrounding U.S. foreign policy decisions. James Carafano rejected the idea of a fundamental transatlantic split, arguing instead that the United States is adopting a more pragmatic and bilateral approach while continuing to strengthen Europe through investments in energy security and defense cooperation.

A major theme of the discussion concerned Europe's defense capabilities and the debate surrounding strategic autonomy. The speakers broadly agreed that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own security, although opinions differed regarding the extent of autonomy achievable outside NATO structures. Everard and Valensise emphasized that strengthening the European pillar within NATO is more realistic than creating a fully independent European defense system, while Wolfgang Ischinger stressed that NATO's credibility ultimately depends on whether Russia continues to perceive the alliance as capable of deterrence. He also expressed concern that growing American focus on the Middle East could weaken Western strategic attention toward Russia and Ukraine.

The discussion also addressed disagreements among NATO allies regarding the recent U.S.–Israeli operation against Iran, with some European states supporting the operation discreetly while others publicly criticized it. Despite differing perspectives, the panel concluded that the transatlantic partnership remains essential for both Europe and the United States, even as it adapts to a more pragmatic and competitive international environment shaped by geopolitical rivalry, defense-industrial transformation, and evolving strategic priorities.

Panel VIIIb titled "From the Levant to the Black Sea: Strategic Reverberations of Middle East Crises" – in partnership with Candid Foundation, Germany was chaired by Ambassador Doru COSTEA, Member of Scientific Council, New Strategy Center, former ambassador of Romania to Kuwait, Oman and Egypt, Romania. The invited speakers were Mr. Daniel GERLACH, Director, Candid Foundation, Germany, Ambassador Tacan ILDEM, Chairman, Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), Türkiye, Mr. Ariel EZRAHI, Head of Energy, Climate & Special Initiatives at New Vest, Israel and Mr. Jamal NUSSEIBEH, Board Member, Middle East Policy Council, Palestine.

The discussion focused on the fragility of the Levant, where political uncertainty, unresolved state formation, and internal instability continue to shape the region. Speakers also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, especially in response to climate pressures and ongoing humanitarian concerns. More broadly, they stressed that lasting peace, security, and stability will likely require stronger international engagement and a more consistent global approach.

The panel on Russian hybrid warfare in Europe highlighted the growing pressure exerted by Moscow on democratic institutions, particularly in Eastern Europe. Speakers emphasized that hybrid warfare is no longer a theoretical threat, but a daily reality involving propaganda, disinformation, electoral interference, and attempts to undermine trust in democratic systems. Romania and the Republic of Moldova were presented as frontline states facing these challenges, while also acting as pillars of regional stability and European resilience.

Romanian Senate President Mircea Abrudean stressed that resilience must begin with legislation, education, and stronger democratic institutions. He reaffirmed Romania's role as a strategic anchor in the Black Sea region and a firm supporter of Moldova's European integration. Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu underlined that Russia continues to exploit institutional and political vulnerabilities, especially through opaque party financing and cognitive warfare. He argued that transparent governance, independent media, and informed citizens are essential tools in resisting hybrid attacks, while also emphasizing that Moldova cannot face these challenges alone and requires coordinated European support.

Panel IXb titled "The Battlefield of Societal Resilience. From Ukrainian War Time Model to European Society in the Era of Full-Scale Hybrid Warfare" – in partnership with Institute for Freedom and Democracy, Romania & Friedrich Naumann Stiftung, Germany was chaired by Mr. Cristian DAVID, Chairman of the Institute for Freedom and Democracy, Romania. The invited speakers were Ms. Olga REZNIKOVA, Researcher, National Institute for Strategic Studies, Ukraine, Mr. Raed ARAFAT, State Secretary & Head of the Emergency Situations Department, Ministry of Interior, Romania, Colonel (Ret.) Ralph THIELE, President, EuroDefense Germany – Chairman Political-Military Society Germany – Managing Director, StratByrd Consulting, Germany, Mr. Jakub M. GODZIMIRSKI, Research Professor, Norwegian Institute for International Affairs, Poland and Mr. Martin ANGEBY, Senior Advisor, The European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, Finland.
Hybrid warfare is a multifaceted strategy that blends conventional military force with unconventional tactics, such as cyberattacks, disinformation, and economic coercion, to destabilize a nation from within. To counter this full-spectrum threat, Ukraine must foster total societal unity, placing the individual at the center of a national resilience strategy that transcends traditional, under-equipped security institutions. This preparedness requires a shift toward unconventional thinking, where a well-informed population is equipped to handle unpredictable situations and neutralize an adversary's goals by systematically acting against them. Drawing inspiration from Norway's model, it is clear that true resilience is impossible without a high level of societal trust and a "whole-of-society" commitment. Ultimately, this battle for stability is a two-way street of learning; while Ukraine builds its internal defenses, nations like Finland are now looking to the Ukrainian experience to bolster their own critical infrastructure against the evolving nature of hybrid disruptions.