Concept

European Integration of Ukraine and Republic of Moldova.  How Do We Support this Process in the Current European Context?

• What are the key milestones and challenges in the European integration process for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, and how can these be effectively addressed?
• The Republic of Moldova has been a target of Russian hybrid actions. What steps did it take to improve its resilience and what are its next priorities in this direction?
• What role can Romania play in facilitating the accession process of Ukraine and Moldova?
• How can the European Union address public perceptions and concerns related to the integration process in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova to ensure broad societal support?
• What is expected from civil society, both within these candidate countries and internationally in terms of active contribution to and support of the European integration process?

US Policy in the Black Sea Region.  From Short-Term Crisis Management to a Long-Term Vision
– in partnership with Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), USA

• How does the Black Sea Security Act, recently passed by the US Congress impact the security dynamics in the Black Sea?
• What actions can NATO allies in the Black Sea take to complement renewed US efforts to solidify NATO presence in the region?
• What can we expect of the US policy in the Black Sea Region in the following years, in the light of the upcoming elections?

The Black Sea and the Potential for Regional Energy Cooperation – in partnership with Sofia Security Forum, Bulgaria

• What is the current status of regional cooperation in the energy sector between Black Sea states?
• All NATO allies in the Black Sea have energy resources in the continental shelf leading to  expansion of Romanian, Bulgarian, and Turkish offshore infrastructure in the Black Sea. What steps can be taken to safeguard such facilities from possible threats?
• What are the realistic prospects for regional cooperation on energy development between both public and private entities in the Black Sea at this stage? How is Russian aggression and interference affecting this potential?
• How important is regional energy cooperation in the Black Sea in the wider European energy calculus?

The Black Sea and the Global Impact on Food Security – in partnership with University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Romania

• What measures can be taken to mitigate the damage caused by the war to the Ukrainian agricultural and food sector? How can Ukraine’s partners assist in this endeavor?
• How are Russian attempts to weaponize food supplies affecting other regions of the world?
• In July 2023, Russia refused to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which temporarily enabled safe passage of Ukrainian food exports through the Black Sea. How effective have alternative measures proved to be do far?

Lessons Learned from the Battlefield in Ukraine and the Conclusions to be Drawn by NATO Defence Industries

• The conflict in Ukraine has brought to light some deficiencies in the ability of European defence industries to support Ukraine in a significant, timely and efficient manner, while they struggle to replenish their own stocks. What further steps can be taken to manage this situation?
• The hostilities in Ukraine have shifted from a war of maneuver to a positional war of attrition, in which large changes in frontline can no longer be expected. What does this tell us about the emerging new balance between offensive and defensive operations?
• What are the early lessons of the war on the ground for NATO military doctrine? To what extent do the notions of revolution in military affairs and counter-insurgency are still relevant?

Panel IV. How Long Will the Global Economy Last in the Face of Multiple Security Crises?

• At the intersection of security policy and economics, how resilient is the global economy in its current configuration amidst ongoing security threats, particularly concerning critical dependencies in supply chains that are also relevant for defence capabilities?
• Is there a need for Western democracies to adopt a more strategic integration of their global economic and security policies? What would be the most effective way to achieve this sort of integration, considering the challenges of incoming major technological changes?
• Considering the constellation of impending “mega threats”, what can we say about the economic future of the Black Sea and Balkan regions, in the context of the wider global economy?

Disruptive Technologies and the War in Ukraine. Lessons for the Future

• In light of the conflict in Ukraine, what role have emerging technologies played in altering traditional ways of waging war, and how can nations prepare for the evolving nature of warfare driven by technological advancements?
• Considering the experiences in Ukraine, how can the international community collaborate to regulate and mitigate the risks associated with the use of disruptive technologies in conflicts, and what frameworks can be established to ensure responsible application of innovation?
• As technology in this field continues to advance, what are the challenges and opportunities for defense and security industries, and how can collaborations between governments and private entities contribute to addressing these dynamics responsibly?

Presentation of the NUPI and New Strategy Center study on Russian Disinformation Campaigns in the NATO Space in the Context of the War in Ukraine

Reconstruction of Ukraine. Opportunities and Challenges – in partnership with Warsaw Security Forum, Poland

• In the context of regional collaboration in supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine, what steps have been taken by its immediate neighbors to sustain a comprehensive and effective rehabilitation process?
• How can a multidimensional approach be adopted to address the specific needs and opportunities for reconstruction in different regions of Ukraine, and how can the international community support these tailored efforts?
• Reflecting on the three key elements for effective reconstruction—committed donors, strategic fund utilization, and transparent disbursement—what concrete steps can be taken to ensure the active involvement of donors and maximize the positive impact on Ukraine’s reconstruction?
• Considering the diversity of funding sources, such as private and public sector loans, grants, and investments, how can external partners collaborate to maximize funding efficiency and favorable outcomes for those in need, while minimizing potential losses?
• Considering the critical importance of transparency in the reconstruction process, what are the most efficient ways of strengthening accountability and trust among stakeholders?

The Hidden Eyes of War. IMINT Lessons Learned from the Ukrainian Front

• How has the utilization of IMINT (Imagery Intelligence) evolved on the Ukrainian front in the past two years, and what key conclusions can be derived from the experiences of military and intelligence professionals in leveraging this technology?
• In a wider European/Euro-Atlantic context, how can collaborative efforts be enhanced to maximize the effectiveness of IMINT in monitoring events in the treatre and responding to new security challenges?
• Exploring the industry perspective, how do technology providers contribute to advancing IMINT capabilities, and what innovative solutions are being developed to address evolving challenges in intelligence gathering?
• Considering the role of IMINT as a valuable tool for situational awareness and strategic planning, how can it complement other intelligence sources, and what implications does this have for modern military doctrine?
• From a technological standpoint, how are industry leaders collaborating with military and intelligence agencies to ensure the seamless integration and effectiveness of IMINT systems, and what role does innovation play in staying ahead of potential adversarial advancements?

Russia’s Hybrid War in the Balkans. How Do We Enhance Societal Resilience? – in partnership with Hybrid Warfare Research Institute, Croatia

• Exploring the multifaceted nature of hybrid warfare, how can we evaluate the economic, informational, and societal dimensions of Russia’s hybrid tactics, drawing lessons for building resilience in the Balkans?
• How do the main disinformation narratives in various Balkan countries differ, and what do these differences tell us about the societal vulnerabilities of these countries?
• What steps have been taken by Balkan states to minimize the effect of Russian hybrid tools in the region?
• How can NATO and the European Union assist these countries in facing Russia’s malign activities?

Panel VIb. Current Challenges for Critical Communications Infrastructure

• How can we collectively address the evolving cyber and other threats to critical communications infrastructure, considering insights from both governmental and private-sector perspectives?
• What have been the latest developments in terms of communications technology, relevant for Romania’s and its neighbors’ strategic challenges?
• How can the events in Ukraine inform Romania’s perspective on safeguarding its communications infrastructure? What immediate steps can be taken to adapt to the new realities unveiled by the war in Ukraine?

What Kind of Security Guarantees Should Ukraine Receive? How Fast Will Ukraine’s NATO Integration Process Happen? – in partnership with Foreign Policy Research Institute, US Army War College, USA

• Why is it important to integrate Ukraine into the Western economic and security structures? How will a safe and prosperous Ukraine enhance the stability of the wider European geopolitical landscape?
• What are the enabling factors that would shape Western security guarantees towards Ukraine prior to full NATO membership? In what scenarios do such security guarantees become possible?
• What are the lessons to be learned from the failure of the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 on Security Assurances?
• What international actors are best suited to extend security guarantees to Ukraine and why?

Energy and Technology. The Impact of New Technologies on the Development of Energy Projects in the Black Sea and Balkans Region – in partnership with Romanian Energy Center

• In the context of energy transition, how can digital innovations and artificial intelligence be leveraged to optimize energy production, transport, distribution, and consumption in the Black Sea and the Balkans?
• What collaborative efforts are being made to integrate cutting-edge technologies into cross-border energy projects fostering regional cooperation and energy security?
• What regulatory frameworks and policies are needed to facilitate the smooth integration of new energy technologies into the existing infrastructure of the Black Sea and Balkan region?

Main Threats for Cyber Resilience in the Current Security Context. – in cooperation with the Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre, Romania

• What are the primary cyber threats facing nations in the Euro-Atlantic region today, and how have they evolved in the current security environment?
• How can governments and private sector actors enhance their collaboration to effectively address and mitigate cyber threats in a rapidly changing security landscape?
• In the era of increased connectivity, what role does cross-border cooperation play in building cyber resilience, particularly in the Euro-Atlantic region?
• With the rise of state-sponsored cyber-attacks, what diplomatic and international legal measures can be explored to deter and respond to such threats, promoting cyber stability in the region?
• How can nations improve their capacity for early detection and attribution of cyber threats, and what role does threat intelligence sharing play in this process?

Russian Political Warfare and Threats from the High North to the Black Sea – in partnership with Norwegian Institute for International Affairs

• What patterns can we observe in the way Russia engages in political warfare in the High North and the Baltic region, compared to the Black Sea region? Did these patterns shift since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine?
• How can NATO and its partners strengthen their intelligence-sharing capabilities to better understand and respond to Russian activities in these areas of ever-increasing competition?
• What role do emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities, play in Russia’s political warfare, and how can nations in the High North and the Black Sea region prepare for and counter such threats?

Conservative America and Its Foreign and Security Policy. How Will the Transatlantic Link Evolve? – in partnership with The Heritage Foundation, USA

• How can the transatlantic community navigate the potential political disruptions during the European Parliamentary and U.S. presidential elections in 2024 to ensure continued cooperation on foreign and security policies?
• What are the potential scenarios for the upcoming US elections, and their impact on the foreign policy debate within the US?
• With a renewed US focus on China and the Indo-Pacific, what adjustments might be needed in transatlantic cooperation to address the challenges posed by China’s pursuit of regional hegemony and global influence?
• How might the role of NATO evolve under a conservative US administration, and what adjustments could be made to strengthen the alliance’s cohesion in the face of potential policy shifts?
• What potential areas of disagreement or alignment could arise between the US and its European allies in the event of a shift of power in Washington, especially on security and economic matters?

Western Sanctions and Social Economic Effects on the Russian Federation. How Effective Have Sanctions Been so far?

• How has the Russian government responded to Western sanctions, both in terms of economic policies and diplomatic initiatives, and what implications does this have for the effectiveness of the sanctions?
• What specific sectors of the Russian economy have been most affected by Western sanctions, and how have these impacts trickled down to the broader society?
• Have there been unintended consequences or loopholes in the sanctions that have mitigated their impact, and how can the international community address such challenges to enhance the effectiveness of sanctions?
• How has the business community in Russia adapted to the sanctions, and what strategies have been employed to navigate the economic challenges imposed by the restrictive measures?

The Black Sea Area and Possible Security Developments for Short and Medium Term – in partnership with Institute for European Policies and Reforms, Republic of Moldova

• Given the strategic significance of the Black Sea, how might the evolving security landscape impact the policies and priorities of both NATO member states and partner nations in the region?
• Are there specific economic and energy security considerations that contribute to the overall security dynamics in the Black Sea region, and how can these be effectively addressed?
• How can the Black Sea countries collaborate on maritime security initiatives to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea waters?
• What have been the most recent developments regarding the special relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova? In what ways could Romania channel its support most effectively towards Moldova?

Current Challenges for Europe in the Context of Elections for EU Parliament. What Will the EU Look Like in the Next Four Years? – in partnership with Elcano Royal Institute, Spain

• How do current geopolitical challenges, including those related to Russia, China, and regional conflicts, impact the political landscape of Europe, and how might these challenges influence the upcoming EU Parliament elections?
• With the rise of Euroscepticism and populist movements, how might the outcome of the EU Parliament elections impact the cohesion and effectiveness of the European Union in addressing common challenges?
• European public opinion has been slowly shifting away from the idea of providing massive and meaningful support for the Ukrainian war effort. What is the correlation between Eurosceptic rhetoric and the phenomenon of “war fatigue”?

Middle East (In)Security and Global Impact. Old Actors, New Developments – in partnership with the Abba Eban Institute, Israel

• Given the shifting alliances and geopolitical realignments in the region, how can countries in the Middle East and their global partners navigate complex diplomatic landscapes to promote stability?
• In which way are the geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East tied to the strategic calculus of the Black Sea and Balkan regions, as part of a larger geostrategic continuum?
• How can actors from both the Middle East and the Balkan / Black Sea regions coordinate their efforts to prevent the spillover of tensions and conflict between these two interconnected regions?

Russian Hybrid Warfare in the Context of the 2024 Electoral Year in the EU and the US – in partnership with Delphi Economic Forum, Greece

• How has Russian hybrid warfare evolved, and what strategies is Russia likely to employ in the context of the 2024 electoral year in the EU and the US?
• In the run-up to the elections, what specific tactics might Russia resort to aiming to influence public opinion, spread disinformation, and potentially disrupt electoral processes in the EU and the US?
• What role can technology play in safeguarding the integrity of electoral processes against cyber threats and disinformation campaigns orchestrated by Russia or other actors?
• How do we maintain the balance between freedom and safety in reconfiguring our democratic institutions, in order to readily face the threat of external hybrid interference?
• How can public awareness and education campaigns be utilized to build resilience against information manipulation and hybrid threats leading up to the 2024 elections?

Lessons Learned from the War for the Land Domain – in partnership with Center for the Study of New Generation Warfare, USA

• What does the experience of the war in Ukraine tell us about the efficacy of current Western weapons systems? How can these conclusions guide Romania’s defence procurement process?
• In the context of evolving warfare dynamics, how has the role of traditional land forces adapted, and what innovations are essential for success in the contemporary land domain?
• How do hybrid threats and unconventional tactics impact land operations, and what adjustments should be made in military training and preparedness to counter these challenges?
• Considering the growing importance of non-kinetic elements in land operations, how can psychological and information warfare be integrated into military strategies to achieve desired outcomes?

The Strategic Stakes of Freedom of Navigation in the Black Sea – in partnership with Hudson Institute, USA

• How do current geopolitical dynamics impact freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, and what strategic stakes are involved for regional and global actors?
• Considering the economic importance of the Black Sea region, how might disruptions to freedom of navigation impact trade and energy routes, and what strategies can be implemented to mitigate potential risks?
• What are the next immediate steps for increasing cooperation among the three NATO allies in the Black Sea: Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye?
• In the face of evolving security challenges, such as Russia’s renewed interest in developing unmanned naval capabilities, what technological advancements and innovations can be employed to enhance the monitoring and protection of freedom of navigation in the Black Sea?

The China-Russia’s ‘Friendship Without Limits’ and the Implications for Europe’s Security – in partnership with the Council on Geostrategy, UK

• To what extent are the economic aspects of the China-Russia relationship a lifeline for Russia’s war effort, and what appropriate steps can the democratic world take to engage China in this context?
• What accounts for China’s selective support for Moscow’s aggression and what are we to expect of it in the future?
• In the face of this evolving “Friendship without limits”, what strategies can European nations pursue to maintain a rational and balanced approach in their relationships with Beijing, while making sure that both security and economic considerations are properly addressed?

The outcome of Russia’s Aggression in Ukraine. Scenarios and Possible Developments – in partnership with Foreign Policy Research Institute, US Army War College, USA 

• What are the most likely military scenarios in the short to medium term, considering the developments on the frontline in the past year?
• The war in Ukraine has transformed into a war of attrition, in which shifts in the frontline are very limited. Who benefits most from this type of war? Is this situation likely to continue?
• In terms of humanitarian considerations, what steps can be taken to address the impact on civilian populations and mitigate potential humanitarian crises resulting from the conflict in Ukraine?
• How might the use of hybrid tactics and unconventional warfare by Russia in Ukraine influence the future strategies and doctrines of military institutions globally, and particularly within NATO?

Middle Corridor and Three Seas Initiative. Strategic Connectivity in the Current Challenging Times – in partnership with Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), Türkiye

• What are the most relevant successes in terms of regional cooperation regarding both the Three Seas Initiative and the Middle Corridor? To what extent have these developments been shaped in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine?
• How does the increased relevance of the Middle Corridor affect the geoeconomic balance in Eurasia, especially in the context of Russia’s economic reorientation towards the East?
• What can the countries along the Middle Corridor learn from the experience of the members of the Three Seas Initiative in terms of regional economic cooperation?

Lessons Learned from Today’s Wars. How Can We Build an Effective A2/AD Umbrella in the Black Sea and Balkan Space?

• How do technological advancements and innovations contribute to the evolving nature of A2/AD capabilities, and what measures can be taken to stay ahead in this rapidly changing competitive environment?
• What are the specific challenges and opportunities associated with integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities, into an allied A2/AD framework?
• Russia’s A2/AD umbrella in the Black Sea has failed to prevent Ukraine, a country lacking in naval power, from inflicting considerable damage to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. What does this say about the nature of modern naval conflict within a geographically limited maritime theater, such as the Black Sea? How should NATO countries in the region adapt to these realities?

Global South and the War in Ukraine. Perspectives and Attitudes, Similarities and Differences – in partnership with Institute for European Perspective and Security Studies, France

• What similarities and differences exist in the attitudes of various Global South nations toward the war in Ukraine, and how can these nuanced perspectives be understood in the broader context of international relations?
• How do geopolitical considerations impact the stance of Global South countries on the conflict in Ukraine, and what implications does this have for the global balance of power?
• In terms of international law and accepted practice, what positions do countries in the Global South take regarding the events in Ukraine, and how does their engagement align with or differ from established principles and norms?
• Views on Russia are arguably more positive in the Global South than in the Global North. What are the reasons behind this divergence, and in what measure does it have to do with Russian renewed diplomatic efforts towards developing and emerging countries?

Host Nation Strategic Infrastructure. From Rotational to Permanent Presence of Allied Troops in Romania

• How does the transition from rotational to permanent presence of allied troops in Romania impact the strategic infrastructure requirements, and what are the key considerations in this process?
• How can the private sector in Romania be involved in developing and maintaining strategic infrastructure to support the presence of allied troops, and what economic opportunities might arise from this collaboration?
• What lessons can be learned from other NATO member states that have successfully established permanent troop presence, and how can these insights inform Romania’s approach to infrastructure development?

Putin’s Attitude Towards the War: Imperial Myth or Collapse of the Country? – in partnership with Caucasus Institute, Armenia

• How does Putin’s approach to the war impact domestic political dynamics in Russia, and what implications does it have for societal attitudes and public mood?
• Are there discernible patterns in Putin’s decision-making during the conflict, and how do they match the shifts in his discourse and promoted narratives?
• What role do media and information narratives play in conveying Putin’s attitude toward the war, both domestically and internationally, and how do these narratives contribute to shaping public perceptions beyond Russia?

How Can the US Manage Multiple Security Crises? A Discussion about War Fatigue, Transatlantic Link and the Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Area

• In the context of evolving security challenges, how can the United States maintain a strong transatlantic link while simultaneously addressing crises in the Indo-Pacific area and the Middle East, and what strategies can be employed to balance these priorities?
• How might the phenomenon of “war fatigue” influence the U.S. commitment to international engagements, and what measures can be taken to sustain a resilient and capable military force amidst multiple security crises?
• In which way are “war fatigue” narratives in the US different from those in Europe? What do these divergences say about societal vulnerabilities in the US and Europe?
• How might the U.S. engage with regional actors in the Indo-Pacific to address security challenges collaboratively, and what lessons can be drawn from successful transatlantic partnerships that may inform this approach?

Why the Black Sea Matters?  How Can We Better Face the Multiple Security Challenges? – in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Germany

• How can the Black Sea region navigate the complex web of regional alliances and partnerships to build a cooperative security framework that addresses the interests of all involved nations?
• What economic opportunities and challenges arise from the strategic importance of the Black Sea, and how can nations leverage economic cooperation as a tool for promoting security and stability?
• How can the international community, including organizations like the United Nations and the European Union, contribute to efforts aimed at better facing the multiple security challenges in the Black Sea?

Lessons Learned from the Ukrainian Front for the Unmanned Systems and Counter-drone Technologies – in partnership with National Defence University, Romania

• How can the lessons learned from the Ukrainian front be applied to improve the training, deployment, and interoperability of unmanned systems in military operations, and what practical conclusions can Romania and its NATO allies draw?
• In terms of counter-drone technologies, what challenges and successes have been observed in Ukraine, and how can these lessons inform the development of robust countermeasures against hostile drones?
• How have unmanned systems been integrated into military strategies on the Ukrainian front, and what role do these technologies play in enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness?
• What ethical considerations and legal frameworks have been explored in the use of unmanned systems on the Ukrainian front, and how can responsible and accountable practices be established in their deployment and actual use?

Migration Challenges of the War in Ukraine – in partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Germany

• What are the immediate humanitarian challenges posed by the migration crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and how can regional collaboration address these issues effectively?
• With the ongoing migration crisis, what legal frameworks and policies should be revisited or developed to address the specific challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and its impact on migration patterns?
• What is the effect of the inflows of Ukrainian refugees on the phenomenon of “war fatigue” in the countries hosting a significant number of refugees, such as Poland and Germany?
• What lessons can be drawn from the past experience of the European Union in handling the migration crisis to inform more effective strategies for managing and mitigating the challenges associated with the current situation in Ukraine?
• How should we harmonize the integration of displaced populations in the host countries with the reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, directed at fostering the return of refugees?

Sic Pacem Para Bellum! NATO’s Defence Policy on the Eastern Flank.

• In the context of evolving security challenges, how has NATO adapted its defense posture on the Eastern Flank, and what lessons have been learned from recent geopolitical developments?
• How do emerging technologies and innovations factor into NATO’s defense strategy on the Eastern Flank, and what investments are being made to stay ahead in the modern threat landscape?
• How can NATO address hybrid threats and unconventional challenges on the Eastern Flank, and what role do intelligence-sharing and cybersecurity play in mitigating potential risks?
• What is Romania’s assigned and assumed role as a pivot on NATO’s Eastern Flank? How should Romania continue its military procurement process in order to better fulfill this role?