On June 10th, the Aspen Institute Romania hosted the Aspen Dialogue on European Economic Security and Resilience in Brussels, marking the inaugural event of its Brussels Office & European Hub. Held at the Permanent Representation of Romania to the European Union, the discussion gathered high-level policymakers, experts, and business leaders to explore strategies for enhancing Europe’s economic strength, safeguarding supply chains, and bolstering resilience amid rising geopolitical and hybrid challenges.

A central theme of the conversation was the EU Preparedness Strategy, focusing on early warning systems, strategic stockpiling, diversified supply chains, and improved coordination, as a framework for strengthening Europe’s capacity to respond to future shocks.

The event underscored the Aspen Institute Romania’s commitment to fostering non-partisan dialogue, advancing European strategic autonomy, and deepening transatlantic collaboration through its growing Brussels-based platform.

You can find the photo gallery HERE.

Event Agenda:

Opening Remarks 

  • Mircea Geoană – President, Aspen Institute Romania, Former NATO Deputy Secretary General  

Panel Session 1 – European Economic Security and Resilience

  • Oronzo Console – Head of Division, Economic Issues and Global Health, EEAS 
  • H.E. Lucian Fătu – Ambassador and President, E-ARC 
  • Raluca Csernatoni – Fellow, Carnegie Europe
  • Max Uebe – Deputy Head of Cabinet, Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, European Commission

Moderator: Ian Lesser – Distinguished Fellow and Adviser to the President, GMF 

Keynote Address

  • H.E. Iulia Matei – Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Romania to the EU 

Panel Session 2 – The New EU Strategy for the Black Sea

  • H.E. Mihnea Motoc – Ambassador, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania
  • Giovanni Cremonini – Head of Sector of Maritime Security, EEAS 
  • Ionela Ciolan – Research Officer, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies 

Moderator: Florentina Dumitru – Director, Brussels Office & European Hub, Aspen Institute Romania