The Centre for International Relations, in collaboration with the Chancellery of the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, organized a meeting of think tanks from EU member states, as well as from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Switzerland. The event, held under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, focused on four key topics: strengthening competitiveness, strategic autonomy, European defence, and enhancing resilience. This blog offers an overview of the discussions held from the perspective of the participant on behalf of foraus.
24.Juli 2025
foraus: Strengthening Transnational Dialogue and Presence
The conference featured a mix of formal and informal debates, some of which followed the Chatham House Rule, encouraging open and candid exchanges among participants. The discussion was sparked by the presentation of the provocative Better Europe paper, authored by Professor Małgorzata Bonikowska of the Centre for International Relations. The document offered critical perspectives and innovative proposals, stimulating a deep reflection on the future of the European project.
foraus had the opportunity to take part in this conference – an occasion that facilitated connections with leading international think tanks. This dialogue laid the groundwork for future collaborations and cross-border engagements, aligning with foraus’ strategy to expand its international presence and further its process of transnational integration.
Consensus on Defence: Cooperation Between Politics, Military, and Industry
On the one hand, the conference provided an important platform to highlight a degree of convergence among European countries regarding the necessary efforts in defence. There was a shared understanding of the importance of dialogue between political actors, the military, and industry – considered essential for tackling current and future challenges. This cooperative spirit suggested a common willingness to strengthen Europe’s security dimension.
Persistent Divisions on Strategy and Institutional Reform
On the other hand, however, the discussions also revealed deep divisions within the Union. Diverging views on competitiveness, strategic approaches, and resilience illustrated a still fragmented Europe, struggling to develop a shared analysis of threats and its strategic positioning. Although no one advocated for radical changes, concerns were raised about overly ambitious reforms. This lack of common vision continues to hinder a unified response, at a time when global power dynamics are rapidly shifting.
Strategic Autonomy: Balancing Independence with Interdependence
Discussions on strategic autonomy highlighted the need to clarify what the concept truly means. In an increasingly interconnected world, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the benefits against the inevitably higher costs. At the same time, the need to streamline bureaucracy became a clear point of consensus.
Competitiveness: Embracing Innovation, Risk, and Educational Reform
In the debate on European competitiveness, the importance of fostering a mindset open to private initiative and innovation was repeatedly emphasized. Greater tolerance for risk – and acceptance of failure as part of the entrepreneurial journey – was seen as essential. Such a cultural shift could begin as early as in school education. In parallel, there were discussions on how to adapt future budgetary decisions to meet new economic needs. Among the shared proposals was a call for more flexible and efficient resource management, including targeted spending cuts where feasible.
Resilience: Learning from the Nordic Model and Combating Disinformation
On the topic of resilience, the approach of the Nordic countries – based on integrated preparedness for crises and emergencies – has often been cited as a model of reference. This strategy, which combines civilian response capabilities with military defence, has been widely praised for its effectiveness. Among the key ideas that emerged was the need to promote critical thinking and media literacy from an early age, with particular attention to the ability to assess sources of information critically and responsibly.
foraus and Switzerland: Inclusive Engagement in Europe’s Strategic Future
To conclude, the conference proved to be a valuable opportunity for dialogue and exchange, especially for organizations like foraus, which observe the evolution of the European Union closely while remaining outside its institutional framework. Considering the ongoing negotiations on a new package between Switzerland and the EU, the discussions underscored the relevance of inclusive cooperation on strategic issues such as competitiveness, security, and resilience. Despite the differences that surfaced, the constructive tone and openness to diverse perspectives offer promising signs for the future of the European project.
