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
Assist. Prof. Monika Panayotova, PhD, Vice President of the Sofia Security Forum
Book
Global Challenges
Cyber Security and New Technologies
European Union
NATO
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.
Yordan Bozhilov, Mira Kaneva
Book
Global Challenges
Security and Defense
NATO
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
EDAM (Türkiye), The New Strategy Centre (Romania ) and Sofia Security Forum(Bulgaria)
Book
Security and Defense
NATO
THE ENLARGEMENT POLICY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION - PRESENT AND FUTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF WAR IN UKRAINE 2022
The purpose of the article is to examine the present and future of the European Union's enlargement policy, in the context of the complex realities related to the war in Ukraine and new initiatives and conceptual ideas of the EU on the 2018 Enlargement Strategy, the new methodology for accession from 2020, the concepts of phased integration into the EU with the transitional clause for consolidation, for a European political community and a new European convention.
Monika Panayotova
Article
European Union
PILLARS TO OVERCOME 3 FALSE MYTHS ABOUT EU AND ITS CSDP IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
This publication aims to look at the 3false myths about the European Union and its CSDP:1) EU is a soft power and political dwarf;2)EU should be post national and individual member states’ veto on CSDP must end;3)First European countries take NATO, then the EU. The analysis show how the Russia-Ukraine war provoked the EU’s geopolitical awakening and what could be the key pillars that would make the EU a permanent global power. In the context of Russia-Ukraine war, is analysed the transformation of the EU into “smart” power with a great potential to become a “transformative” power for the Eastern partnership countries
Monika Panayotova
Article
Global Challenges
Security and Defense
European Union
DEFINING THE BLACK SEA SECURITY
Speech of Mr. Yordan Bozhilov, Director of the Sofia Security Forum at the meeting of the OSCE Forum for security cooperation, held on May3, 2023 in Vienna, Austria
Yordan Bozhilov
Brief
Bulgarian Foreign Policy
Balkans and Black Sea
Security and Defense