October 1, 2024│Brussels, Belgium - the 2024 European elections have introduced new political landscape across the continent. Addressing Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, post-COVID-19 recovery, and advancing green and digital transitions demands a multi-faceted approach from Europe’s new leadership. The EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 sets the course for a democratic, secure, and competitive Europe capable of tackling these challenges.
As the region closest to the warzone and most affected geopolitically, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) plays a key role in shaping Europe’s future. Following extensive consultations, GLOBSEC launched a report offering our proposals for the implementation of the next Commission’s priorities from a Central and Eastern European perspective. At this discussion in Brussels, GLOBSEC presented this report, alongside policy briefs on European security, competitiveness, digitalization, energy security, enlargement, healthcare, democratic resilience, and beyond. Panel discussions with high-level speakers explored actionable solutions and concrete steps for its implementation at the EU level.
The first panel titled "Towards a Shielded Europe: Strengthening Security and Resilience, Advancing Defence" delved into the pressing security challenges facing Europe, with a focus on defence, cybersecurity, and countering foreign malign influence. As geopolitical tensions rise, particularly with the ongoing war in Ukraine, the need for a stronger and more unified European defence strategy has never been more urgent. Panellists discussed solutions to enhance Europe’s defence capabilities, address growing cyberthreats, and bolster democratic resilience against external interference. This discussion highlighted the critical role of Central and Eastern Europe in shaping Europe's security posture in the coming years.
The second panel "Building a Competitive and Resilient Europe in Turbulent Times" addressed Europe's path towards a stronger, more competitive, and sustainable future. Topics included the EU’s economic and energy security in the context of the green transition, fostering innovation and the digital economy, preparing the Union for enlargement. Panellists also touched on new industrial policies and critical raw materials, outlining strategies for Europe to maintain its global competitiveness while ensuring resilience in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The discussion emphasized the contribution of Central and Eastern European perspectives to shaping these priorities.
