GLOBSEC 2025: Commanding (in) Chaos: Time for Europe to Step Up

This year’s theme – “Commanding (in) Chaos: Time for Europe to Step Up” – captured the state of the world with precision: geopolitical upheaval, technological leaps, democratic fatigue, and the climate crisis. Looming over it all was one key question: Can Europe finally stop merely reacting and start leading?

“We must ensure that we can defend our interests even without active American support, if necessary,” declared President Petr Pavel in his opening speech, clearly identifying one of the most pressing challenges of our time – Europe’s dependency on external defense.

A similar message came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who addressed the forum via video link. “Ukraine is just the first line – if it fails, everything fails. Supporting Ukraine today means protecting the security of all of Europe,” he warned. His words resonated strongly, especially in light of new data from the GLOBSEC Trends 2025 report, which showed a sharp increase in support for defense and security across Central and Eastern Europe. Today, a majority of people in the region are willing to sacrifice personal comfort or finances if it leads to greater resilience and stability.

The three-day forum in Prague became a space for intense discussions about what it means to be “strategically autonomous.” Topics included the future of NATO, Europe’s defense capabilities, AI and geopolitical threats, as well as disinformation, infrastructure, and the role of the Global South. One of the key questions posed was whether Europe is ready to stand up to tech giants and harness its own GeoTech potential, not just as a passive consumer, but as a co-creator of global rules.

But GLOBSEC Forum 2025 was more than just a series of panel discussions. From Prague came a clear message: Europe must stop fearing responsibility. It must stop waiting. It must act. And not only for Ukraine’s sake, but for its own.

The organizers’ closing summary put it succinctly: “Europe is ready to take command. Now it must also take the first step.”

A significant contribution to these debates came from a discussion organized by EUROPEUM and JustGreenEU, held on June 13 under the title “Beyond Zero-Sum: How a Just Green Transition Can Enhance EU Competitiveness.” The panel brought together representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the expert public to explore a key question: How can climate action be aligned with economic growth? And how can the green transition become an opportunity, not a threat?

“Climate policies must reflect the human and social needs of citizens,” emphasized Rebeka Hengalová, research lead at JustGreenEU. According to her, the green transformation must be grounded in the reality of everyday life; otherwise, it risks losing public trust and growing resistance.

Norbert Kurilla, a sustainability expert and former advisor to the President of the Slovak Republic, spoke in a similar vein: “Competitiveness and decarbonization go hand in hand. Climate action will support, not hinder, our industry.”

Representing the European Commission, Jan Dusík, Deputy Director-General of DG CLIMA, reminded the audience that climate measures must not be perceived as dictates from Brussels, but as strategic choices, especially in light of developments in the Global South and rising technological competition.

“Central and Eastern Europe has the chance to be a driver of change, not its victim. But the transition must be fair and understandable to all,” added MEP Danuše Nerudová, highlighting the importance of trust between citizens and institutions.

Zuzana Stuchlíková moderated the discussion from EUROPEUM, who concluded: “The green transition must be tied to an economic vision. Only then can it become a story of growth, not retreat.”

This debate was part of the broader message of this year’s GLOBSEC: Europe no longer has time to hesitate. In an era of rising chaos, it must take command – not just in security, but also in defining what a just, innovative, and competitive future looks like.

We explored how Europe can take the lead in a series of interviews:

• Rikard Jozwiak: EU policymaking drives me mad