The Aspen European Strategic Forum is a collaborative platform dedicated to strengthening Europe’s strategic culture and resilience in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. Through high-level dialogue and the Aspen Method, the Forum connects leaders from government, defense, academia, and the private sector to anticipate transformations in security and defense and to develop actionable policy solutions.

The inaugural edition, held in Bucharest in September 2025, marked the beginning of an annual rotation among co-organizing partners, fostering sustained dialogue and enhanced defense cooperation across the CEE region. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Bucharest provides a unique vantage point to explore the European dimension of global disruptions and to promote inclusive, forward-looking strategies for a more secure and stable continent.

Co-organizers: Aspen Institute Romania, Aspen Central Europe, Aspen Kyiv, Aspen Italia, Aspen France, Aspen Security Forum

With the support of: NATO

Institutional Partners: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, EU Commission Representation in Romania, Romanian Chamber of Deputies Committee on European Affairs 

Partners: Ocean AERO, Colt CZ Group SE, ING, E-INFRA

Knowledge Partners: German Marshall Fund of the United States, European Center for Economic Security, Technology and Resilience (ECESTR), EY, Romanian National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC), Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre (E-ARC)

Download the Agenda HERE.

 

You can find the photo gallery down below:

DAY 1 – Leadership & Public Policies Seminar

DAY 1 – Aspen European Strategy Group Roundtable

DAY 2 – Main Conference

Download the Event Report HERE.