On Tuesday, March 11th, the first meeting of the strategic analysis group took place in Berlin. It was organized by the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), with support from the Mercator Foundation. The meeting was dedicated to drafting a comprehensive document aimed at strengthening Europe’s profile in the security field.

The multiple challenges generated by Russia’s aggressive behavior, developments in transatlantic cooperation, the ambiguous relationship between the US and the EU during the Trump 2.0 administration, and the peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine—in which Europe is not yet involved—highlight the need for Europe to adopt a much more robust defense posture. Additionally, it is necessary to continue supporting Ukraine, a state that remains a victim of Russian aggression.

The working group includes a number of experts from Europe, particularly those with expertise on Russia and the post-Soviet space. Over the coming period, the group will hold several online and in-person meetings to finalize various sectoral analyses and ultimately produce a more comprehensive strategic document.

George Scutaru, CEO of the New Strategy Center, has been invited to be part of this group. NSC is thus the only Romanian think tank participating in this highly necessary initiative for Europe’s security.