Strategic Preparedness in Times of Polycrisis – A European Perspective Conference Introduction

Preparedness nevertheless remains rooted in national systems and is shaped by different historical experiences, geopolitical circumstances, governance structures, and perceptions of risks and threats. At the same time, many of today’s challenges cross national borders and increasingly blur the distinction between internal and external security. Strengthening European preparedness therefore requires both capable national systems and closer cooperation at EU level, while recognising the different approaches and responsibilities of Member States.

The Strategic Preparedness in Times of Polycrisis – A European Perspective conference brings together policymakers, practitioners, researchers and representatives of civil society and the private sector to examine preparedness across three interconnected levels. It will discuss Finnish and German national approaches to preparedness, consider what greater European cooperation and coordination can add, and explore the role of citizens, civil society and private-sector actors in strengthening preparedness and resilience in practice. Within this broader framework, the conference will also consider how the changing relationship between internal and external security affects the contribution of different EU policies and instruments, including civilian CSDP.

PROGRAMME

09:00–09:20 Welcoming Coffee

09:20–09:45 Welcome Remarks

Ms Judit Hercegfalvi, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Germany 

Ms Johanna Sumuvuori, Director of the European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management (CoE)

09:45–10:15 Keynote

Ms Lena Düpont, Member of the European Parliament for Germany

10:15–11:45 Panel 1 – Strategic Resilience Across Cultures: Finnish and German Pathways to Preparedness

How do history, political culture, geography and governance shape national approaches to preparedness? Using Finland and Germany as illustrative cases, the discussion will look at the two distinct approaches to strategic resilience and comprehensive preparedness, exploring the respective roles of the state, civil society and public-private cooperation. It will consider how Finland and Germany organise preparedness in different ways, what strengths and limitations arise from their respective models, and what lessons these national approaches may offer for strengthening preparedness across Europe.

Speakers: 

• H.E. Mr Kai Sauer, Ambassador, Embassy of Finland to Germany 
• Ms Helena Quis, Research Fellow, European Defence in a New Age (EDINA), Germany 
• Mr Atte Harjanne, Member of Parliament, Finland 
• Dr. Oliver Bossert, Head of the International Police Relations Section, Police University, Germany
• Mr Janne Känkänen, Director General of the National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA) of Finland 

Moderation: Professor Leena Malkki, Vice-dean, University of Helsinki, Finland

12:00–13:30 Lunch

13:30–14:00 From National Models to European Preparedness – An Audience Pulse

14:00–14:30 Opening Keynotes

• Mr Hans Das, Deputy Director General European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), European Commission 
• Mr Florian Hahn, Minister of State, Federal Foreign Office, Germany

14:30–16:30 Panel 2 – European Preparedness in a Changing Security Environment: Bridging Internal and External Security

Europe’s changing security environment increasingly blurs traditional distinctions between internal and external security. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, hybrid activities in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood, cyber threats and other cross-border disruptions can have direct consequences for the security and resilience of EU Member States. Against this background, the panel will examine how European preparedness needs to evolve as external crises and internal vulnerabilities become increasingly interconnected. Particular attention will be given to the Preparedness Union Strategy, cooperation between EU institutions and Member States, and the capabilities needed to respond to complex and cross-border security challenges. The discussion will also consider how different EU policies and instruments can contribute to this broader preparedness agenda, including the role of civilian CSDP in linking external crisismanagement with wider European security and resilience. Experiences from the Eastern Neighbourhood will provide practical examples of how developments beyond the EU can affect preparedness within the Union.

Speakers: 

Session I 

• Ms Siemtje Möller, Member of Parliament, Germany 
• Mr Tobias Winkler, Member of Parliament, Germany 
• Ms Natalia Raz, Chair, Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CivCom) of the European Union

Moderation: Ms Johanna Sumuvuori, Director, CoE

15:15–15:35 Networking Break

Session II

Speakers: 

• Ms Hanna Smith, Professor of Practice in preparedness and resilience research, University of Vaasa, Finland 
• Ms Katja Dominik, Attorney-at-law, former Head of Mission, EUCAP Sahel Niger 
• Mr Markus Woelke, Vice President, Federal Academy for Security Policy, Germany 
• Mr Peter Grk, Secretary General, Bled Strategic Forum, Slovenia

Audience Q&A

Moderation: Ms Johanna Sumuvuori, Director, CoE

16:30–16:40 Reflections 

Mr Tomas Häyry, Mayor, City of Vaasa, Finland (TBC) 

16:40–16:45 Closing Remarks 

Mr Mika Grundström, Vice Rector at Vaasa University