23 July 2022

On 23 June 2022, the Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Ireland co-hosted a high-level seminar on ‘EU-NATO collaboration on hybrid threats, emerging technologies and cyber: What has been achieved so far and what lies ahead?’. Senior experts were invited to discuss EU-NATO collaboration in tackling hybrid threats, and the challenges posed by emerging technologies and cyber. Discussions focused on the progress made so far in this regard and what the future may hold, including the potential implications of the conflict in Ukraine. Senior Irish experts also provided their insights in the Irish and international context. Approximately fifty experts from a range of disciplines across the diplomatic corps, academia/research institutes, government agencies, the private sector, and members of the media participated in the event. Speakers included: H.E. Karen Van Vlierberge, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Ireland; Christian-Marc Lifländer, Head, Cyber and Hybrid Policy Section, Emerging Security Challenges Division, NATO HQ; Wolfgang Röhrig, Head of Unit, Information Superiority, Capability, Armament and Planning Directorate, European Defence Agency; Margaret Stanley, Head of Office of Emergency Planning, Department of Defence, Ireland and David Brück, Director (EU Common Security and Defence Policy, NATO/Partnership for Peace, Cybersecurity, Hybrid Threats), International Security Policy Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland.