Latest news with #GLOBSEC
Al Etihad
18-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
AGDA Main Institutional Partner of GLOBSEC Forum from 2025 to 2027
18 June 2025 13:34 ABU DHABI (WAM) The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) and GLOBSEC forum, a global think tank committed to enhancing security, prosperity, and sustainability in Europe and throughout the world, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, designating AGDA as the Main Institutional Partner of the GLOBSEC Forum from 2025 to MoU was signed by the Academy's Director-General, Nickolay Mladenov, and GLOBSEC's Founder and President, Róbert annually, the GLOBSEC Forum is a major European platform for dialogue convening global leaders, policymakers, and experts to examine and address critical issues such as security, economic development, climate change, and 2025 edition is scheduled for June 12 to 14 in Prague, Czech Republic, creating a strategic space for future-oriented policy part of the agreement, AGDA will contribute to shaping the GLOBSEC agenda over the next three years by participating in main programmes, consulting on key themes and speakers, co-hosting side events, and supporting bilateral meetings and media AGDA's proactive role on the world stage, Nickolay Mladenov said, 'The UAE has consistently advocated for multilateral dialogue and pragmatic diplomacy. Through this alliance with GLOBSEC, the Academy will help elevate voices from our region while contributing constructively to global policymaking at a time when trust, dialogue, and coordinated action are essential.'President Róbert Vass commented, 'Welcoming AGDA as our Main Institutional Partner brings a strategic dimension to the GLOBSEC Forum. The UAE's experience in conflict mediation, food security, climate diplomacy, and cross-regional cooperation reflects a forward-looking approach to global governance. Together, we aim to bring new perspectives to the table and build bridges between regions that are too often discussed in isolation.' This collaboration between AGDA and GLOBSEC reflects a shared commitment to advancing global dialogue and sustainable solutions, reinforcing the UAE's dedication to multilateralism and peaceful cooperation as demonstrated by its active role in international diplomacy.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Europe's biggest threat isn't from Putin or Trump
The biggest threat to Europe isn't Vladimir Putin. It isn't Donald Trump. In fact, it isn't even coming from outside the European Union. No, the biggest threat to Europe is bubbling up from within, and its leaders don't even realize it: The continent has gotten so enraged at foreign leaders threatening its borders that it has lost sight of how far it has fallen — and how quickly it must save itself. For years Europe struggled to grasp that energy security and national security are one and the same. That ended with Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, and the loss of the cheap gas that had powered European manufacturers. After more than three years of war, it is clear that neither the US nor Europe will supply sufficient weapons, manpower, or money to defeat Russia: Out of an audience of some 100 delegates at the GLOBSEC conference in Prague last week, the only one who was still betting that US President Donald Trump can achieve peace was Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha — yet even he told me that he no longer believed in miracles. Now, Europe is fighting facts again, this time about itself. In a report last year, former Italian Prime Minister and ex-European Central Bank President Mario Draghi warned of the danger Europe's economic stagnation poses for its sovereignty. He told us that high energy costs and taxation are crippling European competitiveness. The continent's latest argument — that billions of additional dollars for European defense will dig the continent out of the doldrums — has merit, and no doubt governments turning on the taps should expect economic gains: Germany's Kiel Institute estimates Europe's long-term productivity could rise by as much as 0.25 percent for every 1 percent of GDP spent on military research. But that's hardly enough to kick start the continent out of 'managed decline,' nor is it likely to make a dent in wide-ranging competitions with countries like the US and China. And while the idea that strengthening the continent's military industrial complex could be the catalyst for an innovation boom is possible, deeper issues remain: You cannot tax and regulate your way to growth. Nor can you expect to project strength on trade, manufacturing, or defense when you lack the competitiveness of your rivals. So what's holding Europe back? At a side session in Prague, I questioned a roundtable of policy advisors, including an ex-finance minister and a former Nato deputy secretary general. Their nationalities: British, Czech, German, Romanian, and Slovak. They all agreed Europe has the economic heft to get good trade deals, but they didn't know, or disagreed on, how to do so. They talked about the need for each country to 'focus on its strengths' but couldn't lay out a plan to do so. And when it came to addressing high energy prices, they agreed that a single EU market was essential, despite agreement amongst energy executives that it can't and shouldn't be attempted. The highlights (or lowlights, depending on your persuasion) though came on nuclear energy, with the German on the panel blaming the French (not represented) for cutting back the availability of nuclear energy for German consumption, thus making it more expensive, whilst refusing to own the blame: It is Germany's shutdown of nuclear reactors that is hampering industrial output, not French restrictions. And a question about fostering innovation took a nostalgic turn, as panelists remembered the days when Volkswagen created the Beetle, a car for the masses — instead of the current situation, where the company's failure to invest in EVs has Chinese firms putting them out of business. Ultimately, I was left wondering what lessons were really learned from putting all the energy eggs in Putin's basket if, three years on from the invasion of Ukraine, Europe continues to amble along without any concrete action towards increased productivity and economic growth. Russia was able to put Europe on the back foot precisely because of the continent's failure to accept that economic security — the ability to support, secure, and manage its supply chains — is a prerequisite for national security. That, not an invading strongman or a protectionist president, is Europe's greatest threat. Economic growth may be languid in Europe, but that doesn't mean it's not an attractive investment destination: In fact, a growing number of major investors are opting for the EU over the US, as much for the continent's potential as for the uncertainty across the Atlantic. The latest example is Aware Super, one of Australia's largest pension funds with $124 billion under management, whose chief executive told the Financial Times that she saw a 'really significant opportunity for Europe and the UK.'
Gulf Today
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE reiterates condemnation of Israeli attack on Iran, stresses need for diplomacy to avert war: Gargash
Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE, reiterated the UAE's condemnation of the Israeli attack on Iran, emphasizing the country's unwavering approach to prioritizing diplomacy and avoiding war. Gargash said in a post on the X platform: "I was pleased to participate in two dialogue sessions at the GLOBSEC conference in Prague. In these difficult times, I reiterated the UAE's condemnation of the Israeli attack on Iran, in line with our unwavering approach to prioritizing diplomacy, avoiding war, and striving to de-escalate and find political solutions for a region exhausted and devastated by conflict." On Friday, the UAE has condemned in the strongest terms Israel's military targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and expressed its deep concern over the ongoing escalation and its repercussions on regional security and stability. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stressed the importance of exercising the utmost self-restraint and judgment to mitigate risks and prevent the expansion of the conflict. The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE's position that enhancing dialogue, adhering to international law, and respecting the sovereignty of states constitute essential principles for resolving the current crises.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Czech president calls for greater European autonomy within NATO
Czech President Petr Pavel has called for NATO to have stronger "operational autonomy" within its command structure in Europe, urging the alliance to prepare for missions without relying on active US involvement. Speaking at the GLOBSEC security forum in Prague on Thursday, the 63-year-old former general said European nations should consider "mirroring" command posts currently held by US military officers with European personnel. Such a move, he argued, would ensure Europe-specific operations remain viable regardless of Washington's decisions. Pavel, who served as chairman of the NATO Military Committee from 2015 to 2018, said Europe must respond to shifting US attitudes toward European security, particularly under President Donald Trump. "It is time that we draw the necessary conclusions from the fact that the United States' role in European security has changed. The new US administration has unsettled transatlantic relations and forced Europe to face strategic questions it cannot postpone," he said. "The aim is not to create an alternative to NATO, but to strengthen NATO's European pillar. To succeed, this European pillar cannot remain an abstract ambition. It needs to be institutionalized, embedded in NATO's standard planning, in budgeting and force development processes," he continued. Security conference under way in Prague Top politicians, defence officials, and experts are meeting in Prague this week for the 20th annual GLOBSEC security forum. Discussions are focused on global security challenges and strategies for overcoming ongoing crises. The Czech Republic, a NATO member since 1999, has taken a prominent role in supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russia's war of aggression. Prague's conservative government has backed an initiative to supply Kiev with artillery ammunition and continues to advocate for robust support for Ukraine across the alliance.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Ukraine's NATO Ally Can Shoot Down Russian Drones Under New Law
A law has come into effect in Romania that allows its armed forces to down unmanned aerial vehicles unlawfully breaching its airspace, as the NATO member acts to tackle a growing number of Russian drones landing on its shores. Ilie Bolojan, Romania's acting president, signed the law, which the Romanian parliament passed in February in response to the threat posed by the devices landing in its territory, often in spillover incidents from the war in Ukraine. Newsweek has contacted the Romanian Foreign Ministry for comment. Romania shares a 380-mile border with Ukraine, and because of its proximity to the war zone, it has seen drones repeatedly land in its territory, although there is no evidence that Moscow has deliberately targeted the country. Romania's new law allows it to shoot down such drones and could lead other neighboring NATO countries to follow suit, with the potential for escalation and increased questions over the alliance's Article 5 mutual defense clause. The law to shoot down drones violating Romanian airspace was initially drafted in October following a spate of Russian drones landing in the NATO member. Their target had been southern Ukraine's Odesa Oblast. The incidents prompted legislation that the Romanian parliament passed on February 26. Far-right parties challenged the law but lost the case. On Monday, Bolojan signed the legislation, which stipulates that any aircraft without a pilot that illegally crosses the border and flies in Romania's national airspace without authorization may be destroyed or neutralized. He also signed a law on the peaceful conduct of military missions and operations on Romanian territory. Romania must establish the aircraft's position and identity, attempt contact, intercept and fire warning shots. Piloted vehicles can only be destroyed if they conduct an attack or respond aggressively to interception, the law states. Roger Hilton, a research fellow at the GLOBSEC think tank in Slovakia, told Newsweek in February that Romania's move was a significant but measured escalation by a NATO member to Russian drones strafing its border. He said that while there might be the risk of escalation, Bucharest was left with little alternative as it issued a signal to Moscow and NATO that it would not tolerate unchecked airspace violations. Roger Hilton, a research fellow at GLOBSEC, said: "Romania's decision to approve neutralizing drones encroaching its airspace marks a significant but measured escalation by a NATO ally." In March, Romania confirmed another case of a Russian drone crashing in its territory, in the border area near the Ukrainian settlement of Reni. Romania has a new president following elections on Sunday, and there is anticipation over how the NATO country will react if another drone breaches its airspace or whether Russia will be more careful. Related Articles Europe's 'MEGA' Stutter: Far-Right Bid for Power Falters Despite GainsWho Is Nicușor Dan? Romania's Liberal Centrist Mayor Sweeps to VictoryRomanian Exit Polls Show Clear Winner as Rival Declares VictoryFar-Right Parties Bid for Power in Europe's Election 'Super Sunday' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
