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Strengthening European Cooperation: Security Across the Continent

SpeakerS:

Ali Aslan, International TV Presenter and Journalist, www.aliaslan.de
H.E. Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic, Former President, Republic of Croatia (2015-2020)
H.E. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Opposition Leader, Republic of Belarus

“Illegal migrations and the refugee crisis from Ukraine are increasing war fatigue, which is one of the ways Russia wages a war of attrition. A ceasefire would just provide Russia with time to reconstitute its forces.” H.E. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović
“It’s the moral obligation of every powerful leader and every person not to be poisoned by the narrative of fatigue and to help those who are in need.” H.E. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Key takeaways:

  • The importance of Ukraine’s victory: Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and Sviatlana Tiskhanouskaya emphasized that Ukraine’s victory is crucial for global democracy and security, highlighting the war as a fight against Russian aggression rather than NATO expansion, stressing continued support for Ukraines sovereignty. 
  • War fatigue implications: Both speakers acknowledged the growing war fatigue in Europe, with Grabar-Kitarović noting that refugee and migration crises add to this fatigue, exploited by Russia. Tsikhanouskaya urged leaders to support those in need and resist authoritarianism, emphasizing their moral obligation. 
  • Role of democratic values: Grabar-Kitarović stressed  that Putin fears democratic values more than military strength. Highlighting that Europe´s commitment to democracy counters Russian imperialism and is therefore essential to uphold. 
  • Strategic defense investments: Grabar-Kitarović urged European nations  to meet their  2% GDP defense spending target, emphasizing the importance of increased defense investment for future security and stability.
  • Solidarity for democratic movements: Tsikhanouskaya shared her experiences of receiving support and solidarity from democratic nations, calling for strategic assistance in the global fight against authoritarianism. 

 

Action items:

  • Increase support for Ukraine: Governments and international organizations should sustain military, economic, and humanitarian aid, with public campaigns to combat war fatigue and underscore Ukraines global significance. 
  • Combat misinformation and disinformation: Political parties and civil society organizations should collaborate to combat misinformation and disinformation, which undermine democratic institutions, including media literacy to help  citizens, identify and resist false information.
  • Promote democratic values: Boost EU-led efforts to strengthen democratic institutions in neighboring regions and support local civil society groups in authoritarian areas.
  • Enhance defense capabilities: European countries should meet and exceed the 2% GDP defense spending target to strengthen their security, focusing on defense tech and infrastructure.
  • Support women in peace and security roles: Governments and international organizations should implement initiatives that empower women in conflict prevention and peacebuilding through funding and training.   
  • Leverage technology for security and policy making: Adopt and integrate advanced technologies like AI to improve geopolitical risk assessment and policy making, with shared platforms for innovation in collective security. 

 

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