On December 4th, 2024, the twelfth „Conference on Security Challenges for Europe“, which is a flagship event organized by RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in Croatia and the George C. Marshall European Centre for Security Studies, drew to a close in Zagreb.
The Conference consisted of 4 Panels altogether, out of which 3 were held on the first day.
Panel 1 concentrated on the topic of the Russian War Against Ukraine and the weaponization of everything, Panel 2 on ecology, technology and energy in South East Europe and Panel 3 on challenges from beyond.
Panel 4, on Day 2 of the Conference, concentrated on EU enlargement.
Panel 1 focused on the battle in the war for a new global multipolarity in the reality of the Russian aggression on Ukraine, examining the potential results of both economic and security competition. The notions of weaponized interdependence were explored in the context of the future European security architecture. In the age of economic coercion, it seems that controlling technological research and development is becoming more important than territorial control. Living in the world of imperfect information gives room to the weaponization of everything as security actors strive for more security. The main remaining question is how to figure out how our economically and politically valuable interdependencies work.
Panel 2 was dedicated to regional energy capability development and discussed the situation regarding resources to gain technological advancement. It explored the outcomes of the rapid pace of advancement in ecology, technology and energy developments.
The Western Balkans holds vast reserves of strategic rare minerals vital for renewable energy and digital technologies. This presents a unique opportunity for economic growth. However, sustainable mining practices and environmental protection must guide development. Together, we can harness these resources responsibly to support global progress and regional prosperity.
Additionally, the unprecedented rise of the Big Tech influences security considerations globally. The EU efforts regarding energy resilience in Europe have been presented together with the work on civilian and military preparedness and readiness. Societal resilience has been identified as the key to deterring and countering the threats arising from identified advancements.
Panel 3 focused on the European High North which is at the vanguard of security, economic, and climate trends, and the Arctic as their intersection. Climate change poses a major factor driving regional activity that influences global interests. This drives an increase in competition making it an integrated part of strategic deterrence considerations. Arctic operational challenges are vast, but it is becoming an increasingly important trade route driving the GDPs of the largest Arctic powers and affecting the Baltic and Black Sea trade hence confirming that security matters everywhere. Furthermore, disinformation spread by state and non-state actors, is a persisting hybrid threat that targets public opinion and encourages interference. Despite the strong efforts by institutions, experts, and NGOs to combat disinformation, more questions than answers remain.
The Panel conclusions pointed towards the need to restore public confidence. This is at the centre of European leaders’ efforts, especially when combating Russian propaganda. Failing to properly address the concerns of the majority of all of its citizens could make the EU face an accentuated challenge that could have repercussions on the Euro-Atlantic order. This is closely tied to border security and migration and the necessity of finding the best solution that meets both labour and security requirements given the fact that countries’ policies during the past 20 years have been aimed at strengthening borders.
As an introduction to the fourth panel Mrs. Zrinka Ujević, Head of the Office of the EU Commission in Croatia, emphasized Commission’s comprehensive efforts to secure the Union. Competitiveness and defense were stressed as two major focus areas, with military mobility and the strengthening of the European industrial base at the forefront of the Commission’s efforts on the defence side. The European Peace Facility and European Defence Industry Strategy, together with the appointment of the first ever Commissioner for Defence and Space represent the continuation of the Commission’s strides regarding EU nations’ security. Mrs. Ujević concluded her Introductory Message by once again pointing out to the relevance and importance of RACVIAC work in SEE.
The final Panel of the Conference dived into the state of the matters in the region in connection with the EU enlargement process. A considerable number of regional organizations act as a bridge between the East and the West. They persist and are valuable as contributors to the European integration efforts and stability and security of SEE. The organizations have adapted to the needs of their members as they build a context to increase the levels of understanding regarding common challenges. RACVIAC Member Bosnia and Herzegovina was portrayed as an EU membership candidate country undergoing swift transformation to adapt to the needs of reforms, assistance and regional cooperation. With the new Von der Leyen Commission in place, the philosophy of joining the EU continues to change, moving away from joining based on promises towards an increasingly important (and observed) merit-based approach. The Commission’s view included steps for those wishing to join that they should undertake, stemming from the EU’s Growth Plan, in order to better prepare for membership and the vast opportunities offered to a member of the single European market. The time is now – was a concluding message of the Panel.
The RACVIAC flagship event concluded with the Closing remarks by Dr. Norbert Eschborn, the new designated Head of KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office, Dr. Ralf Roloff, Deputy Dean for academics at the George C. Marshall European Center’s College of International and Security Studies and H.E. Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, Director of RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation.
Dr. Norbert Eschborn, the new designated Head of KAS Croatia-Slovenia Office in his Closing remarks emphasized that, in an era marked by turbulence and rapid change, Europe faces a complex web of security challenges that demand adaptability, resilience, and unity. We are witnessing a shift from the traditional military threats of the Cold War era to a multidimensional array of risks such as geopolitical rivalries, economic coercion, technological risks, climate change and resource scarcity. Given the multifaceted nature of these threats, Europe must embrace strategic shifts to ensure its security.
These shifts are not merely operational but conceptual, reshaping how Europe views itself and its role in the global order.
He concluded by saying:”Looking ahead, the security challenges confronting Europe are formidable, but they are not insurmountable. History has shown that Europe thrives when it adapts, innovates, and unites. The strategic shifts are not just options but necessities. These shifts require leadership, determination, and, above all, the belief that Europe’s future is worth defending. Let us rise to this challenge, not with fear, but with confidence in our collective strength and shared destiny.”
Dr. Ralf Roloff, Deputy Dean for academic at the George C. Marshall European Center’s College of International and Security Studies thanked partners for organizing this interesting and valuable Conference for the last 12 years. Furthermore, he praised the opportunity to get together and discuss openly the challenges underscored not only for SEE, but also for the international community.
“A lot of great ideas, new plans, new elements, and new frameworks were discussed in order to be aware of the new security challenges and their complexity and to figure out where the opportunities are, where we can work together and where we are able to provide rules that can improve the situation we live in”, he stated.
RACVIAC Director, H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, closed the Conference expressing his pleasure in hosting the event in close cooperation with our partners, KAS and the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.
He underlined that this was the 12th consecutive conference, marked by a record number of participants, reflecting the growing significance of this event in the realm of security in South East Europe and beyond.
Special thanks to KAS and the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies for inviting speakers, whose contributions were instrumental in enriching the discussions were extended by RACVIAC Director.
As the Conference drew to a close RACVIAC Director reflected on the insightful discussions and innovative solutions shared over the past sessions. “Together, we tackled a wide range of security challenges, from geopolitical tensions and cyber threats to climate-induced risks and migration dynamics. The exchange of ideas among policymakers, experts, and practitioners has underscored the importance of collaboration at every level—national, regional, and international”, he noted.
Furthermore, he emphasized the significance of integrated strategies and mutual support. “Security does not exist in isolation; it is deeply interconnected with global stability. The ideas and insights shared here will serve as a foundation for tangible progress, ensuring that we remain resilient in the face of emerging threats”, concluded Director of RACVIAC.
