BUILDING RESILIENCE IN THE EUROPEAN UNION IN TIMES OF POLYCRISIS AND CHALLENGES IN THE COGNITIVE DOMAIN

This aim of this publication is to draw attention to the need to build resilience in the societies and Member States of the European Union in times of “polycrisis” and challenges in the cognitive domain. Following an analysis of global risks and hybrid threats, as well as the emergence of artificial intelligence in today‘s communication and security environment, certain recommendations and conclusions are drawn to enable the EU to exploit its potential to be a “multidimensional power”, overcoming non-kinetic challenges to vulnerabilities in democratic societies, citizens‘ minds and emotions. In this research, a range of political science analysis methods were employed. In addition, the “mind maps” technique of the British psychologist Tony Buzan was implemented by enabling the synthesis of ideas through visual representations. On the eve of the European elections in 2024, the publication draws key conclusions and recommendations for overcoming the challenges of desinformation, perception management and psychological manipulation, which undermine trust in democratic institutions and prevent decisionmakers from countering them. These include: building resilience through education, media literacy, critical thinking, digital competencies, mental toughness; the ability to think not only fast but also slow; the application of exponential design to strategic thinking; multilateralism and close cooperation with NATO. https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=1215198

NEW EUROPEAN SECURITY-The evolution of the European security architecture in the wake of the Russian war against Ukraine

A Decade of Change: Europe's Security Landscape under Scrutiny. With the second anniversary of Russia's aggressive incursion into Ukraine on February 24, 2024, it is crucial to reflect on the profound impact this conflict has had on Europe's security dynamics. The invasion served as a catalyst for a significant reassessment of Europe's security architecture. With Russia's actions prompting a fundamental shift in strategy towards deterrence and defense, it's imperative to address several pressing questions: - Redefining Security Architecture: The Russian assault sparked intense debate about the future of European security. Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era of strategic competition reminiscent of the Cold War? And how united is Europe in its approach to collective defense? - Insights from Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans: Esteemed experts from across the region offer diverse perspectives on the current state and future trajectory of European security. Despite varying viewpoints, many nations stand in solidarity with Ukraine, advocating for deeper integration and a more sustainable security framework for Europe. - NATO's Vital Role: NATO emerges as a linchpin for collective defense, especially following its expansion to include Finland and Sweden. Across the board, states denounce Russia's aggressive posturing and underscore NATO's indispensable role in ensuring regional security. - Navigating Challenges and Prospects: Russia's role within the European security paradigm remains contentious. Consensus dictates the need for a new security framework that addresses both conventional threats and emerging challenges such as disinformation campaigns. - Championing Democratic Values: The years ahead will be marked by a concerted effort to rally support for democratic principles and the rules-based international order. Revitalizing engagement with international treaties and institutions is not just in Europe's interest but crucial for global security. As we solemnly mark the second anniversary of Russia's incursion into Ukraine, it serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal juncture at which Europe finds itself in terms of security and stability.

YOUTH CONFERENCE: THE NATO’s ROLE IN ADDRESSING SECURITY CHALLENGES IN AN UNPREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENT

Students from Bulgaria and North Macedonia met in Sofia on 3-5 December 2023 to discuss what risks the two countries are facing and what is NATO's role in dealing with them. During the conference, the young people met and held talks with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Nikolay Denkov, the Minister of Defense Todor Tagarev, the Chairman of the Defense Committee in the National Assembly Hristo Gadjev, the ambassadors of North Macedonia and Germany, security experts.

THE EMERGING SECURITY CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE: THE NEED FOR NEW POLICIES AND INSTRUMENTS

NATO 2022 STRATEGIC CONCEPT stated that the “Climate change is a defining challenge of our time, with a profound impact on Allied security. It is a crisis and threat multiplier. It can exacerbate conflict, fragility and geopolitical competition. Increasing temperatures cause rising sea levels, wildfires and more frequent and extreme weather events, disrupting our societies, undermining our security and threatening the lives and livelihoods of our citizens. Climate change also affects the way our armed forces operate. Our infrastructure, assets and bases are vulnerable to its effects. Our forces need to operate in more extreme climate conditions and our militaries are more frequently called upon to assist in disaster relief.”

NATO'S ROLE IN ADDRESSING SECURITY THREATS AND CHALLENGES IN THE BLACK SEA

The study is a result of the collective efforts of the Sofia Security Forum from Bulgaria, NSC from Romania and EDAM from Turkiye. The three think-thanks analyses the complexity of the security environment in the Black Sea region and advocate for closer cooperation among littoral NATO member-states and partners and bigger involvement of NATO in providing security in the region. The study was officially presented at NATO HQ on November 6, 2023

NATO’S APPROACH TO THE SECURITY IN THE BLACK SEA REGION

International round table discussion on different aspects of security in the Black sea and how NATO and the littoral member-states respond to the risks and challenges

BUILDING RESILIENCE IN THE EUROPEAN UNION IN TIMES OF POLYCRISIS AND CHALLENGES IN THE COGNITIVE DOMAIN

NEW EUROPEAN SECURITY-The evolution of the European security architecture in the wake of the Russian war against Ukraine

YOUTH CONFERENCE: THE NATO’s ROLE IN ADDRESSING SECURITY CHALLENGES IN AN UNPREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENT

THE EMERGING SECURITY CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE: THE NEED FOR NEW POLICIES AND INSTRUMENTS

NATO'S ROLE IN ADDRESSING SECURITY THREATS AND CHALLENGES IN THE BLACK SEA

NATO’S APPROACH TO THE SECURITY IN THE BLACK SEA REGION

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SECURITY RISKS AND CHALLENGES IN THE BLACK SEA REGION

Events

INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY: DYNAMICS IN THE EURO-ATLANTIC AND INDO-PACIFIC REGIONS

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Interview for DARIK Radio

On Focus

SECURITY RISKS AND CHALLENGES IN THE BLACK SEA REGION

DEFINING THE BLACK SEA SECURITY

HOW DOES BULGARIA SEE THE EUROPEAN DEFENSE COOPERATION?

CLIMATE CHANGE AND IMPLICATIONS ON THE EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENSE