This one-week seminar analyzes security issues related to Europe’s Eastern flank. Previous seminars elaborated on responses taken by the international community to counter hybrid and grey zone warfare measures by Russia, the Kremlin’s aggression in Ukraine, its role in protracted conflicts, multifaceted attempts to disturb the political landscape in the West, how the Euro-Atlantic community can use strategic communication in order to counter Moscow’s agenda and the impact of economic sanctions.

• Engage a range of partners in better understanding conflict dynamics in Europe’s eastern flank
• Highlight challenges to and within Euro-Atlantic Institutions
• Identify current Euro-Atlantic vulnerabilities and how they might be exploited. These include hard power tools; protracted conflicts; transnational organized crime, political corruption and undermining political institutions; economic integration and disintegration tendencies and energy security
• Assess and align potential Euro-Atlantic policy responses to fit new realities
• Publish the final results of the European Security Seminar-East as a conference report

This seminar brings together mid- to senior level security practitioners from Europe, Eurasia and the U.S. to build a common understanding of the new dynamics in the east and to develop comprehensive strategies to address conflicts, vulnerability and disorder. The seminar produces a network of professionals for continued dialog and cooperation. 

ESS-E addresses the topic by providing three different platforms for discussions, exchange of ideas, networking and strategy development. The first platform includes a conference-style format of lectures, panels and plenary discussions. The second platform is outcome-oriented and product-driven topical workshop format within at least five topical workshops led by subject matter experts, supported by a rapporteur, with input by subject matter experts and guest speakers. The third platform is the Night Owl evening presentation and discussion on a topical issue in an informal setting. The specific topics and objectives change to meet an evolving strategic environment and policymaker needs.