Schuman Security and Defence Forum

The European Union (EU) is committed to strengthening international peace, security and stability and defending the rules-based international order defined by the UN Charter. Through its support of mediation and conflict prevention, crisis response, capacity building, and delivery of humanitarian aid, the EU acts as a responsible, relevant and capable actor worldwide. In today's shifting geopolitical context, mutually beneficial security and defence partnerships are essential to uphold the rules-based international order and effective multilateralism, achieve common goals, and contribute to worldwide peace and security.

The EU’s Strategic Compass, adopted in March 2022, outlines the concrete steps the EU will follow to strengthen its position as a capable, effective and responsible actor in security and defence; to protect the security and prosperity of its citizens and to contribute more effectively to international peace and stability. Doing this in partnership with others is at the very heart of how the EU sees its international role.

The inaugural Schuman Security and Defence Forum (Schuman Forum) seeks to contribute to the important partnerships that underpin the EU’s high level of ambition in security and defence. The Schuman Forum is part of the EU’s broader engagement to establish a more coherent and comprehensive network of relationships with international and regional actors and bilateral partners worldwide. Specifically, it aims to facilitate dialogue and strategic reflection on international security and defence between the EU, its Member States and their partners, examining ongoing trends, issues and initiatives. It brings together politicians, senior decision-makers, military representatives from EU Member States and partner countries, and representatives from international and regional organisations with which the EU cooperates in security and defence. Members of civil society, thought leaders and opinion formers are also invited. The Schuman Forum takes place every two years under the authority of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.

In today’s world, competing visions and agendas on the global order are on the rise, challenging established multilateral rules and organisations. When States purposely undermine the international rules-based order, peace and stability are at risk. Even in peacetime, some States use a variety of hybrid instruments to undermine the sovereignty of those they see as their rivals. Non-state actors, too, can pose a threat to our security. In addition, new dimensions of warfare are adding complexity to already ongoing conflicts. As warring parties continue to send soldiers to the battlefield, they increasingly confront each other in cyberspace, for example.

We need to prepare and mobilise our capacities to respond to high-intensity threats and crises – including in domains such as cyberspace or outer space, which are paramount to our security and defence. Building resilience against all types of hybrid threats is essential to maintain our societies' functioning and our state's sovereignty. Even the oceans and seas require collective solutions to address mounting security threats like piracy, overfishing, or the protection of critical infrastructures. On all those fronts, strong international partnerships are essential.

Partnerships bring tangible value for the EU and its partners in security and defence. The Schuman Forum will shed light on how ongoing and potential partnerships can contribute to addressing common challenges together and strengthening international peace and security.

09:00-09:15: KEYNOTE SPEECH (LIVESTREAMED)

Josep Borrell Fontelles High Representative for the Union's Foreign and Security Policy / Vice President of the European Commission

09:15-09:20 WELCOME (LIVESTREAMED)

European Parliament

09:20-10:15: PLENARY SESSION (LIVESTREAMED)

High-level panel discussion: building security and defence together – leveraging our partnerships

10:45-11:45: SIMULTANEOUS BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

Roundtable 1: Responding To Crisis Together

Roundtable 2: Building Our Collective Resilience 

Roundtable 3: Securing Our Seas And Maritime Space Together

11:50-13:00: PLENARY SESSION (LIVESTREAMED)

High-level panel discussion: Upholding Multilateralism And A Rules-Based International Order

CONCLUDING REMARKS (LIVESTREAMED)

Josep Borrell Fontelles High Representative for the Union's Foreign and Security Policy / Vice President of the European Commission

13.00: PRESS CONFERENCE (LIVESTREAMED)

Josep Borrell Fontelles High Representative for the Union's Foreign and Security Policy / Vice President of the European Commission