The International Institute for Peace, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Austria, Ca’Foscari University of Venice, European Council on Foreign Relations (Rome Office), Polish Academy of Sciences, and European University Institute, Florence, warmly invites you to attend our upcoming public event,
Rethinking European Security and Defense: What Are We Defending?
Date: January 27, 2026
Time: 18:00
Venue: Residence of the Dutch Ambassador, Jacquingasse 8-10, 1030
WELCOME
PETER POTMAN, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Austria
HANNES SWOBODA, President, International Institute for Peace (IIP)
MODERATOR
LUIZA BIALASIEWICZ, Professor, Ca’Foscari University of Venice
PANELISTS
ANNA VAN ZOEST, Director of the Netherlands Atlantic Association
GUSTAV GRESSEL, Senior Policy Fellow, National Defense Academy, Austria
MONIKA SUS, Professor, Polish Academy of Sciences, and Research Fellow, European University Institute, Florence
GORAN BULDIOSKI, Senior Fellow at Hertie School of Governance, Berlin
CONTENT
This panel brings together experts to explore the gap between public perceptions of defense needs and the perspectives of political and military elites. In an era of rising defense budgets and growing geopolitical competition, European institutions and national governments must explain security decisions in ways that are clear, legitimate, and trustworthy.
The discussion will examine the strategic rationale behind defense investments, the political decision-making process, and approaches for communicating these choices to citizens. How can leaders effectively convey the reasoning behind defense spending? How can European citizens be engaged in shaping a shared and inclusive security narrative? How can transparency and trust be strengthened between governments and the public? By combining insights from military experts, policymakers, and civil society, the panel will offer insights for a more nuanced European security debate.
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK!
The event will be held in English
Snacks and drinks will be offered after the event!
By participating in this event, you agree that any photos or recordings taken that include footage of your person may be published or used in any other way by the organizers of the event.