On Thursday 27 November, the Carlemany Institute for European Studies (ICEE) at UIC Barcelona organised a new conference focused on European security challenges in today’s geopolitical context. The session, presented and moderated by the Institute’s director, Dr Montserrat Nebrera, was part of a series of academic and outreach activities that the ICEE promotes to encourage informed analysis and debate on the future of Europe.

The guest this time was lawyer and journalist Ricard Fernández Deu, who, under the title “Defence in Europe”, delivered a lecture analysing the state of European security and the tensions underlying the current international order. Fernández Deu, with experience as former director of the Spanish national radio broadcaster (RNE) in Catalonia and a member of Parliament, reflected on aspects including the relations between the European Union, NATO and the major world powers, as well as possible scenarios for strategic reorganisation.
 

The expert also addressed current debates such as the increase in defence spending, the situation in Ukraine and developments in military policies in several European countries. According to Fernández Deu, “it would be necessary for the United States to shift its centre of gravity in Europe and approach European defence from a continental perspective, something that has not been done until now.”

As part of the event, which took place in the University’s Aula Magna, students and members of the university community, eager to gain a more in-depth understanding of Europe’s geopolitical situation, actively engaged in a Q&A session.

The aim of the Carlemany Institute for European Studies is to promote research and thorough reflection on the growing role of the European Union and contribute to the public dialogue surrounding its main challenges. With the aim of establishing itself as a reference point among think tanks dedicated to European issues, the ICEE seeks to “encourage the participation of these organisations in decisions made by institutions on European matters,” explains Dr Nebrera.