The EUISS co-organised a side session at the GLOBSEC Forum 2026 with European Forum Alpbach on Europe's preparedness for war and systemic crises.
The discussion explored how modern conflict increasingly targets societies before territory, and why deterrence is not only a question of military capabilities, but equally of whether societies can absorb shocks without strategic paralysis.
Speakers examined how military readiness, societal resilience and collective resolve together underpin credible European deterrence. They also unpacked the role of psychological preparedness, civic education, civil defence and whole-of-society approaches in strengthening Europe's security posture and total defence.
Speakers:
- Lt Gen Piotr Błazeusz, Ministry of National Defence, Republic Of Poland.
- Nad'a Kovalcikova, EUISS
- Janne Kuusela, Permanent Secretary of Finland’s Ministry of Defence
- Luigi Scazzieri, EUISS
- Teija Tiilikainen, The European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats)
