Thematic working group reordering European security

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has made it absolutely clear that Europe’s current security order is no longer capable of preventing major wars. This is merely the loudest alarm signal of many in recent years, all underlining the growing challenges to existing security institutions and actors. This horizontal topic explores the options for transforming and enhancing the European security order, and considers how the transition can best be accomplished.

We begin by examining existing and previous systems of order that were (or were not) capable of ensuring security in different parts of the world. Secondly, we assess the strengths and weaknesses of the various actors that are currently responsible for European security – or could increasingly become so. The possibility of new actors emerging should not be neglected. Thirdly we take up the question of resilience. The future European security order should be sustainable and the resilience of existing institutions and actors needs to be strengthened in the transition phase in order to minimise conflict potential.