EVENTS

CONCEPT OF THE SYMPOSIUM

The European Union at a Crossroads: strategic autonomy, wars and the future of multilateralism

Faculty of Social Sciences (FDV), Main Hall, 18 March 2026

Background and purpose of the symposium

Over the past decade, the European Union has found itself in a period of pronounced systemic transformation of the international environment. The concept of "strategic autonomy", initially understood mainly as the strengthening of the EU's defence, technological and energy capabilities, is today acquiring a broader meaning. It refers to the Union's ability to act as an independent, normatively and politically relevant actor amid global rivalries, wars and institutional fragmentation.

The international order that, after the Second World War, was based on multilateralism, international law and institutions such as the United Nations, is facing a deep crisis of legitimacy and effectiveness. Eighty years after the founding of the UN, the key mechanisms of collective security are blocked, international law is often selectively interpreted, and respect for human rights is under pressure from geopolitical interests.

In this context, the EU operates between two conflicting realities:

• on the one hand as a project of normative power, democracy and sustainable development,
• on the other as a geopolitical actor in a world of great powers, trading blocs and military conflicts.

The symposium seeks to open an in-depth discussion on whether and how the EU can strengthen its proactive role in the international community, contribute to the stabilisation of the international order, and at the same time preserve internal cohesion and competitiveness.

Geopolitical context: wars and the fragmentation of the international order

The war in Ukraine, now entering its fifth year, represents one of the bloodiest and most destructive wars in Europe since the Second World War. Despite occasional diplomatic initiatives, the outcome remains uncertain, and the European Union does not participate directly in the formal negotiations, but acts indirectly through sanctions, financial and military assistance, and support for reconstruction.

At the same time, the EU has no clearly visible or unified role in the Middle East and the wider Mediterranean area. The fragmentation of interests among member states and divergences in foreign-policy priorities limit its geopolitical weight.

In parallel, the world economic system is being reshaped. The EU has managed to conclude a trade agreement with Mercosur (still in the process of ratification) and to make progress in talks with India. Relations with China remain complex and increasingly unbalanced, with questions of technological dependence, industrial policy and the security of supply chains taking on strategic importance.

These processes raise a fundamental question: does the EU remain primarily a regulatory power, or is it becoming a geopolitical power with the capacity to shape its strategic environment?

Strategic autonomy: security, competitiveness and sustainable development

The EU's strategic autonomy is not merely a security concept. It comprises several dimensions:

• Defence and security autonomy (strengthening the common security and defence policy);
• Energy sovereignty (accelerated diversification of sources, green transition);
• Technological and industrial policy (reducing dependence in critical raw materials, semiconductors, digital infrastructure);
• Geo-economic resilience (balanced trade, protection of strategic sectors).

The green transition represents a twofold challenge: it is a normative and civilisational project, and at the same time a question of the competitiveness of the European economy compared with the USA and China. The EU's internal political dynamics – including the rise of populist movements – further affect the Union's ability to act in a unified and strategic manner.

The discussion at the symposium will address the question of whether it is possible to reconcile: climate goals, industrial competitiveness, social cohesion and the EU's geopolitical ambitions.

The future of multilateralism and international law

Eighty years after the founding of the United Nations, the world faces an erosion of multilateral norms. The UN Security Council is often paralysed, regional organisations are taking on part of the responsibility, while global powers increasingly resort to unilateral measures.

In this context, several key questions arise:

• Is a reform of the UN system realistically feasible?
• What is the future of international law under conditions of selective compliance?
• Can the EU become the bearer of the reconstruction of the multilateral order?
• What are the structural conditions for a more peaceful coexistence of states?

Objectives of the symposium

1. To contribute to strategic reflection on the role of the EU in a fragmented international system
2. To connect the academic, diplomatic and political community in Slovenia
3. To open a discussion on possible scenarios for the development of wars and the consequences for European security
4. To examine the possibilities for strengthening multilateralism and reforming global institutions
5. To formulate orientations for further professional and public debate

The event brings together: leading Slovenian experts in international law, political economy and security studies, experienced diplomats and foreign-policy makers, and representatives of strategic forums and academia.

Concluding orientation

The European Union stands at a crossroads between the idealism of normative power and the reality of geopolitical rivalries. Its future will depend on its ability to combine internal cohesion, economic competitiveness and foreign-policy unity.

Organising committee:
Rado Bohinc, Deputy President of AZTRS;
Matjaž Nahtigal, Faculty of Management, University of Primorska;
Mojca Seliškar Toš, Secretary General of AZTRS.