Central Europe: Navigating the Geopolitical Storm
How Can Europe's Citizens Engange the Next Decade?
IED Conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, April 24, 2025
24.04.2025
SUMMARY by Mário Nicolini
The international conference "CENTRAL EUROPE IN THE GEOPOLITICAL STORM: How Can Europe's Citizens Engage the Next Decade?" took place in Bratislava on April 24, 2025. This international event convened a diverse group of experts, policymakers, representatives from civil society and the business sector, educators, students, seniors, and other interested citizens to address the crucial moment facing Europe and explore how citizens can actively engage in shaping the coming decade. This event built on the previous international conference on “Democracy in Central Europe and Building Mutual Trust within Society,” held in Piešťany, Slovakia, on November 7-8, 2024.
The event was a great success, truly bringing together a diverse and engaged crowd, fostering substantial discussion in a positive atmosphere. We were honored to host 25 distinguished speakers from across 9 EU and NATO countries, as well as India, whose expertise shaped the day's vital dialogue. The total attendance, counting some 110 participants onsite and 120 online, reflected a rich mix of perspectives and generations, with representatives from over 70 unique organizations, academic institutions, and initiatives spanning government, civil society, business, academia, and international relations. This included 55 students and young professionals. The discussions were enriched by the inclusion of diverse voices, including dedicated participation from youth and seniors, as well as perspectives from spiritual and religious representatives. Themes such as the application of soft power principles were actively discussed by a significant number of speakers throughout the day.
Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex and uncertain world, marked by shifts in global politics, the spread of disinformation, and the urgent need to address global crises, the conference aimed to move beyond simple explanations and understand the nuanced realities. Inspired by complex thought, the discussions focused on finding practical solutions to strengthen social unity, build resilience against modern threats, encourage dialogue, and empower citizens to contribute to a more stable and prosperous Europe where peace, dignity, and shared values prevail.
The event was organized by the Institute of European Democrats, under the auspices of H.E. Apoorva Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Slovakia, and in partnership with the Slovak-India Friendship Society. Significant participation was provided by the Euro-Atlantic Center, Institute for Public Affairs, Adapt Institute, Confident Slovakia (Sebavedomé Slovensko), Faculty of Political Science and International Relations, Otvorená Hra and Open Academy.
Welcome Remarks
The opening addresses set a serious but forward-looking tone. Mikel Burzako, CEO, Institute of European Democrats, acknowledged the difficult times ahead, stating, “I’m afraid that the times to come will be even harder,” but stressed Europe’s desire for global presence, adding, “Europe desires its presence in the world,” and concluded, “It’s time to raise European flags.” Dr. Anna Galovičová, Founder & President, Slovak-India Friendship Society, emphasized the importance of inner strength and emotional balance in crisis, noting that potential for this lies within everyone. Alice Bernard-Montini, President, Young Democrats for Europe, spoke about the engagement of young people in uncertain times, driven by a desire for change, stating, “In a society where you don’t know what will be tomorrow, young people will engage in any way to achieve change.” Finally, György Gémesi, Lord Mayor of Gödöllő, highlighted the importance of building local communities and relations between citizens, observing, “Economic security is not enough; local communities are important – build community and get closer to each other,” and called for building “relations between citizens – European citizens.” Gémesi also advocated for decentralized access to Eurofunds for local communities, avoiding potential corruption at national level. These speeches collectively underlined the current challenges while highlighting the potential of individuals, youth, and communities in shaping Europe's future.
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Central Europe: Navigating the Geopolitical Storm – Part 1, IED Conference in Bratislava, April 24, 2025
Central Europe: Navigating the Geopolitical Storm – Part 2, IED Conference in Bratislava, April 24, 2025
Central Europe: Navigating the Geopolitical Storm – Part 3, IED Conference in Bratislava, April 24, 2025
Central Europe: Navigating the Geopolitical Storm – Part 4, IED Conference in Bratislava, April 24, 2025
Central Europe: Navigating the Geopolitical Storm – Part 5, IED Conference in Bratislava, April 24, 2025
Panel 1: Survive and Prosper: Building Trust and Shared Values in a Complex World
Ján Figeľ, First Slovak European Commissioner, highlighted the human cost of the unfinished EU enlargement and argued that wisdom is more than muscle in building a peaceful Europe, calling for a return to common sense and a living conscience. Gabi Schmidt, Vice-President, Institute of European Democrats, noted that “young people in the East are really hungry for Europe,” requiring stronger East-West connections, and warned that peace in the West, often taken for granted, demands vigilance against problems like corruption and extremism. Michal Šoltés, Co-founder, Otvorená Hra & Open Academy, discussed communication failures stemming from ego and the need for leaders across Slovakia and Europe to connect and focus on shared objectives. Ján Figeľ further stressed that communication is not a technique, but a path to community, and that we can only be happy in a relationship. He reminded that although freedom is important, freedom is not the highest value, but truth, emphasizing that freedom must be balanced with responsibility. He concluded by saying, "Let's not be afraid that there are only a hundred of us," as History was made by free minorities who connect with like-minded individuals to drive progress.
India-Slovakia Partnership in the European Context: From President Murmu's Visit to Prime Minister Modi's Upcoming Journey
Her Excellency Apoorva Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Slovakia emphasized the enduring bond and ongoing strategic convergence between India and the EU, rooted in shared interests like a multipolar rules-based order and effective multilateralism. She highlighted the historic nature of the European Commission's visit to India, showcasing deep engagement with a single country, and underlined India's pivotal role in global shaping with its goal of becoming a developed nation and the second largest economy by 2047. The Ambassador also noted the strengthening Slovak-Indian relations, evidenced by recent high-level visits, increased trade, and growing people-to-people ties, particularly among students. Key areas for future cooperation identified included investment, connectivity, climate action, education, digital technologies, green economy, defense, and counter-terrorism, with a call for prioritizing Schengen visa facilitation. She concluded by describing the desired partnership as transformational, not merely transactional.
Panel 2: Navigating the Digital Age: Complex Thought and Responsible Citizenship
Chaired by Alexandra Leuliette, Local Representative of the Mouvement Démocrate (MoDem); Former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State for Youth and Engagement, France, the panel explored the multifaceted threats in the digital age, including how digital, cultural, and emotional challenges intersect and put truth under attack. Alexandra Leuliette highlighted the need to protect open societies through education, establishing legal and ethical frameworks, and empowering individuals. Dr. Anna Galovičová stressed that maturity, defined as emotional and psychological development, is key to navigating these times. Grigorij Mesežnikov, President, Institute for Public Affairs, acknowledged the benefits of communication technologies for civilization but stressed that “Today, no one doubts hybrid threats anymore.” He warned that “Populism... becomes dangerous when populists come to power and begin to apply a way of governing where they behave irresponsibly towards citizens,” and noted that “Authoritarian regimes are introducing digital authoritarianism,” posing a challenge for democrats to establish protective mechanisms. Lutjona Lula, Founder, Erasmus Student Network Albania, characterized Generation Z as the first digital generation, seeing the digital world as a space for intergenerational dialogue, and believing that “Digital citizenship is no longer an option; it is fundamental,” and that “We believe that the digital future belongs to the youth.” Professor R.S. Rathore, Dean, University of Haryana, India, contrasted digital connectivity without boundaries with physical world boundaries, asking, “We must unite. But if there are so many boundaries, how to go about uniting?” He suggested that “The first key word is friendship – once we start practicing friendship, there is no competition anymore,” and that “The virtual world is a very powerful tool,” emphasizing that “We are all one; we are all part of that infinite energy.” His vision lay in creating a digital society of spiritual souls to promote spirituality among the youth, which could take the form of an academic course drawing on insights from all spiritual traditions.
Young Leaders Round Table: One Europe, One Defence: A Dream or Reality?
The round table of young leaders on European defence, organized by the Euro-Atlantic Center and chaired by Dr. Martin Sklenár, Former Minister of Defence; Director, Defence and Security Programme, GLOBSEC, concluded that Europeans have a strong interest in strengthening defence capabilities, but face problems such as the lack of unity in EU foreign policy, the absence of a common defence cause, and differing objectives of member states. While a coalition of the willing might be realistic short-term, the medium to long-term challenge is achieving a unity of purpose – a common goal that transcends focusing only on individual threats like Russia. A narrative shift from "European army" to "European defence" was proposed to gain political buy-in, advocating for a step-by-step approach starting with regional cooperation. Key capability areas identified were cybersecurity, drones, air defence, artillery, stockpiling, intelligence sharing, military mobility, and data infrastructure, drawing lessons from Ukraine. Rethinking Europe's defence culture is vital, including strengthening civil preparedness and resilience, not just the military tool of power, potentially learning from Finland's quality-over-quantity approach. The discussion also highlighted the need to reduce dependence on the US, build a domestic defence industry, research & development, and secure supply chains, again utilizing lessons from Ukraine.
Panel 3: Strengthening Resilience: Countering Hybrid Threats and Geopolitical Instability
The panel began by agreeing that despite Slovakia lacking dedicated anti-hybrid infrastructure, strengthening individuals and civil society is crucial, as chair Iveta Kupková, Independent Expert; Former Director, SITCEN, Government Office, noted they share the burden of countering these threats. Philippe-Michel Kleisbauer, Delegate, European Democrats—European Democratic Party; Member, Executive Bureau presided by François Bayrou, Democratic Movement, stressed that “Putin does not listen to what we say. He watches what we do and what we don't do. If we want to stop Putin, we have to act.” Marcel Peško, Former Ambassador-at-large, Hybrid and Cyber Threats, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Business Development Manager (Cyber Security and Classified Information Solutions), Alison Slovakia, elaborated that hybrid threats, driven by governments seeking to weaken democracies and expand autocracy, are not merely technical but political. Peško identified Russia as the main actor in Central Europe, with Slovakia being highly vulnerable. Countering this persistent threat, which is a problem of democracies, requires political recognition that Russia is waging war against the West, investment in whole-of-government and whole-of-society measures, better coordination, and awareness. Peško also reminded that Europe cannot function without defense deterrence, as the enemy threatens militarily. A warning about rapid political changes in the EU that can dramatically change foreign policy was issued by Branislav Kováčik, Dean, Faculty of Political Science and International Relations. He added that Gen Z, for whom democracy is the default, may be more prone to value fluctuation when disappointed. He also stressed that protection of critical infrastructure requires national-level investment. Reducing the risk of dependence on non-European social media is important, argued Arnaud de Vibraye, Manager for Invest4Cyber, European Cyber Security Organisation. An ecosystem approach involving government, firms, and civil society is needed against cyber threats. An appeal for continued cooperation with the United States was made by Greg Fabian, arguing that almost half the population does not support the unilateral policies of the current administration.
Panel 4: Envisioning Europe's Future: Citizen-Led Innovation and Sustainable Development
The final panel reminded that “The future is not something that happens to us, but something that we create and build together,” and asked, “How can we create a future where everyone sees hope?” Miodrag Vlahović, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Montenegro, warned of a “very dramatic historic shift – in the wrong direction,” describing Europe as a “community that is in crisis,” yet noted that “Central European countries and Baltic countries understand Balkan countries better than the rest of Europe,” and stressed that “Defeating Russia and liberating Ukraine – that concerns all of us.” Vlahović argued for a renewed commitment to EU enlargement. Alexandra Leuliette emphasized the power of the citizen's voice: “We must involve citizens; we must stop building Europe behind their backs,” asking them directly, “What do you want?” and reminding them, “Europe will not do anything for you, but you can do something for the Europe that you want.” Dr. Anna Galovičová contributed the idea that “The mind is much stronger than all weapons and actions,” and warned that “It is easier to break an atom than a prejudice.” The panel thus underlined that despite the crisis, active citizen involvement, responsiveness to their needs, and inner mental strength are key to creating a more hopeful and humane European future.
About the IED
Institute of European Democrats is a Brussels-based institute affiliated with the European Democratic Party (EDP). The IED fosters innovative ideas and debates on EU policies through events and publications. The IED is the organizer of the conference.
The event was funded by the European Parliament. The European Parliament assumes no responsibility for facts or opinions expressed in this publication or their subsequent use.