Europe’s security and economic prospects are at greater risk now than at any time in the last 35 years. Tension between the US and China has partly reversed globalisation and increased economic protectionism; the pandemic compounded that trend. The war in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas have raised direct threats to the security of Europe and its allies. Donald Trump’s re-election as President of the United States has brought back to the fore questions over the US commitment to European security, challenging the continent’s leaders to find ways for Europe to defend itself. Uncertainty about the role of the US in European security also raises questions about the ability of the continent to defend itself. Climate change and wider conflict add to the pressures driving migration – itself a strain on European governments which is contributing to political polarisation. European voters are asking whether their leaders can solve their countries’ problems.
Democracy, free markets and international order are under challenge. The choices that Europe makes today will determine its success in confronting this uncertain future.
This year’s tenth annual Europe’s Strategic Choices conference, jointly hosted by Chatham House and our knowledge partners the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University (ISPK) and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, explores the shifting dynamic of heightened geopolitical risk. The event brings together policymakers and representatives from business, civil society, and academia to forge new ideas on how European countries can best respond to their challenges in security and defence, competitiveness and trade, technology, and global influence.
Watch recordings of the plenary sessions by registering for our conference platform. If you have a Chatham House account you can access the platform.
This event will be taking place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Berlin.
The institute occupies a position of respect and trust, and is committed to fostering inclusive dialogue at all events. Event attendees are expected to uphold this by adhering to our code of conduct.
