German-French Strategic Dialogue Whilst Donald Trump’s second term in office is placing a historic strain on transatlantic relations, Europe is currently facing pressure on several fronts. Concerns about a Russian attack in the Baltic states, threats posed by drones and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are dominating the debates. Economic and technological competition, as well as cyber threats, are also playing an increasingly significant role. At the same time, Europe’s sustained support for Ukraine demonstrates that it is indeed capable of successfully addressing geopolitical challenges. We are therefore delighted to discuss Europe’s defence capabilities with an international panel and our audience. How robust are various concepts of strategic autonomy? What political constraints hinder cooperation? What constructive role can France, Germany and their European allies play in this regard?

The US is facing the mid-term elections – and with them a political test. These elections bring into sharp focus just how great the domestic political pressure in the United States has become. Polarisation, social conflicts and the struggle for political narrative dominance are shaping the country. This pressure is seeking an outlet – and Europe appears to be playing an increasingly significant role in this. What are the consequences of this situation for Germany and Europe? How are transatlantic relations changing as the US increasingly projects its domestic conflicts onto the international stage? And how can Europe respond to this without remaining permanently in crisis and reaction mode? We would like to discuss these and other questions as part of a book launch for Tobias Endler’s new book, entitled „USA. Der neue Feind. Trump war erst der Anfang“, with the author and the political scientist Hendrik Ohnesorge.

Current global political developments bring significant challenges for Europe. The question of power and morality is essentially timeless and has always existed, but it gains entirely new urgency under today’s global political upheavals. In the debates connected with this, the term “strategic agency” is often mentioned without clearly defining what it actually means. How can Europe act in a secure, just, and competitive way over the long term without betraying its values? Which instruments, alliances, and governance models strengthen Europe’s role in a multipolar world? We want to discuss these and other questions to derive concrete courses of action, ethical guidelines, and practical implementation strategies. The focus here is on security policy in the sense of a ‘comprehensive security’ approach, which not only addresses traditional security and defense policy, but also takes topics like trade and technology policy, digital sovereignty, as well as foreign and development policy into account.

Today, security means far more than military defense capabilities; it also encompasses the resilience of state institutions, the protection of critical infrastructure, economic and technological sovereignty, and social cohesion. Against this backdrop, the concept of comprehensive security is gaining increasing importance. It pursues an integrated approach that combines military strength, civilian resilience, and international cooperation. Security thus becomes a shared responsibility at the national and European levels. In this context, European nations are repositioning themselves. It is of central importance to maintain dialogue with one another in order to learn from each other. How can defense capabilities, societal resilience, and European cooperation be effectively combined in the spirit of comprehensive security? What priorities are different nations setting in light of the current threat landscape? And what conditions must Europe meet to ensure its security independently and collectively in the long term? Switzerland can play a pioneering role in this regard, as it has established comprehensive security as a central pillar of its security policy and strategically brings together civilian and military capabilities as well as governmental, economic, scientific, and societal actors.

For 80 years, North Rhine-Westphalia has been synonymous with transformation and creative drive. From Germany’s industrial heartland, the state has evolved into a central hub for innovation, technology, and economic networking in Europe. Today, more than ever, the question arises as to what role North Rhine-Westphalia can and must play in a world marked by growing geopolitical tensions and profound upheavals. Security has long been viewed in a comprehensive manner: it encompasses economic strength, technological sovereignty, resilient supply chains, and the protection of critical infrastructure, as well as social cohesion. North Rhine-Westphalia offers unique advantages in this regard: as an industrial hub, a driver of innovation, and an internationally connected economic region.Together with our distinguished guests—Minister Mona Neubaur, Parliamentary State Secretary Sebastian Hartmann, Chairman of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee Armin Laschet, and Armin Papperger of Rheinmetall—we aim to discuss how North Rhine-Westphalia can strategically leverage its strengths to become a key player in the security architecture of tomorrow. The focus is on three key questions:How can North Rhine-Westphalia leverage its industrial and technological base in a targeted manner to support a comprehensive security strategy?What policy and economic decisions are needed to strengthen resilience and capacity to act in a sustainable manner?What role can and should North Rhine-Westphalia play in the security architecture of the future at the national and international levels?

German security policy has repeatedly faced profound upheavals—from the rearmament of the young Federal Republic under Chancellor Konrad Adenauer to the current “turning point,” which calls for a fundamental redefinition of military capabilities, international responsibility, and strategic partnerships. But how can these historical and current turning points be understood in relation to one another? What continuities and breaks have shaped Germany’s security policy course since Adenauer? And how are new geopolitical realities changing the foundations of German foreign and security policy? This event is part of a series marking the 150th anniversary of Konrad Adenauer’s birth.

Climate change is not only altering ecosystems but also shifting geopolitical power dynamics. Melting polar ice caps are opening up new trade routes and access to resources in the Arctic, while strategically significant regions such as the Strait of Hormuz are increasingly caught in the crossfire of global interests. At the very least, the discussion surrounding President Trump’s intention to buy Greenland has shown how the Arctic is currently also being used as a projection screen for global power shifts. And the latest developments in the Middle East have once again highlighted just how great the interdependencies in the global economy still are. We want to discuss the interplay of energy issues, security interests, and economic interdependencies—and what this means for the realignment of international relations—with renowned experts. What geopolitical opportunities and risks arise from climate change? What role do energy, resources, and trade routes play in a changing world order? How can international cooperation succeed amid increasing tensions?