The 1st International Conference, European Security and Defense Forum 2018 (ESDF 2018) which was organized by the Institute of Research and Training in European Affairs – I.R.T.E.A, in the framework of the European College of Defense and Security in the EU (ESDC) and the support of the Centre of European Information Europe Direct of the Municipality of Athens, was completed with great success. The ESDF 2018, was held from 11 to 12 May. The first day took place at the Serafio Center for Sport, Culture and Innovation of the Municipality of Athens and the 2nd day at the General Secretariat of Information and Communication.
The topic of the ESDF 2018 was “Debate on the Future of European Security & Defense: from vision to action”. The ESDF 2018 achieved its primary goal of highlighting defense and security dialogue in Europe and Greece.
In the forum participated, Greek and international officials, Ministers and Executives of the Ministries of Foreign and National Defense, staff of the Armed Forces of Greece, Military Academy Governors of Greece, Ambassadors and Embassy Representatives, Academics, Scientists and Students.
During the two-day conference, the participants had the opportunity to participate in 7 rounds of round table talks with the participation of outstanding guest speakers about European Defense and Security issues.
The contents of the ESDF 2018 were as follows:
“The new EU Global Strategy and the Future of CFSP: challenges ahead”
“Strengthening EU’s external security in a more complex world”
“Towards the development of EU internal security in the light of the new terrorist threats”
“NATO’s role as a security provider and the impact on Common Foreign and Security Policy”
“Migration: a destabilization factor for the E.U.?”
“Energy Security Challenges for the European Union”
“Cyber threats for the EU in the 21st century”
The event was welcomed by Ms. D. Papadaki, Secretary General of the Institute of Research and Training in European Affairs – I.R.T.E.A and Organizer of the ESDF 2018, Mr. Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Immigration, Internal Affairs and Citizenship, Mr. Th. Economou, Colonel of Infantry and the Director of National Defense Policy of the General Administration of National Defense Policy and International Relations of the Ministry of National Economy and by Ms. M. Logotheti, Head of the Athens Mayor’s Office and President of the Athens Tourism Development and Promotion Company.
The first round of debates began on the European Security Strategy of EU. The General M. Kostarakos, started the debate by saying: “Do not expect to see strangers defending the borders of Greece. The borders of Greece are European borders, but have to be defended by the Greek Armed Forces. Ms. Kopa, Professor of Comparative Politics at Panteion University, highlighted the importance of learning to work within a team and look for possible collaborations.
Among the distinguished Speakers of the European Security & Defense Forum 2018 was the Deputy Minister of Citizen Protection, Mr. Nikolaos Toskas, who talked about internal security in the EU and mentioned the migratory flows and the relations between the EU and Turkey. In the forum, also participated, the Political Advisor of the US Embassy in Greece, Ms. Amy Carlon, the Ambassador of Finland in Kosovo and the First Female Head of EU Military Operations / Missions, as former head of EUPOL Afghanistan, Ms. Pia STJERNVALL, the French Defense Advisor of the Embassy of France in Greece, Mr. Colonel Richard COLEMAN, the professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies, Department of International, European and Regional Studies of Panteion University, Mr. Charalambos Papasotiriou, the Ambassador of Poland in Athens, Anna Barbarzak, the Secretary General for Digital Policy and Head of the National Cyber Security Service, Mr. Leandros Maglaras, as well as the former Commander of the NATO Maritime Prevention Center in Greece, Mr. Georgios Tsogas.
I.R.T.E.A. is an innovative Think-Tank in Greece and Europe that aims to enhance knowledge and dialogue on European issues and policies. Has a long experience in organizing conferences on crisis management, leadership and negotiations, in collaboration with the Military Academies of Greece and specializing in the organization of innovative and interactive educational tools about the institutions and policies of the European Union. From 2015, I.R.T.E.A. is a member of the ESDC College with an active participation in its activities.
For more information, visit the International Conference website www.esdf.irtea.gr or contact with the team at esdf.irtea@gmail.com or 2130250217.
ESDF.2018_SCHEDULE