Is Europe Safe?

Event details

As President Donald Trump discusses the future of Ukraine with President Vladimir Putin, there is a serious possibility that the US might withdraw its security guarantees for Europe, in place since 1945.

What are the options for the region? What might Putin’s next move be? Will he attempt to use disinformation to destabilise eastern Europe or move from his current soft power influence in parts of the Balkans to invasion? 

Pro-US Poland is especially vulnerable due to its proximity to Russia and Putin’s imperial ambitions. Yet Serbia, with historical and cultural proximity to Russia, its negative view of NATO, reliance on Russian energy and diplomatic support for its position on Kosovo, is consciously walking a tightrope between Russia and the rest of Europe, having applied to join the EU in 2009. 

Should the EU hasten the accession of Balkan states to the EU? Should Europe develop an independent defence capability? Will Europe have to look to France and the UK to provide a nuclear umbrella? 

The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has indicated that his priority is to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible. Yet relationships with the US need to be balanced with this. 

What are the options, and what might the future of Europe look like? Taking an agile approach to emerging world events, our expert panel discusses these issues and more. Why not come along and join in the conversation?

This event is part of the Festival Focus ‘A World in Crisis?’ presented in collaboration with the Morrell Centre for Legal and Political Philosophy. You may also be interested in 'Disinformation, Polarisation and the Future of Democracy' and ‘A New World Order?’ which are taking place the same day.

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