Europe’s security environment is changing faster than our strategies can adapt. One thing is clear: security today is built through coalitions, and Europe needs global partners more than ever.
In the years ahead, these partnerships will become Europe’s strategic infrastructure—from military allies, hybrid defense, protection of critical infrastructure and energy pathways to resilient supply chains. Only then can Europe preserve its capacity to act.
To reduce its vulnerabilities and strengthen its strategic position, Europe must reorient itself. Democracies in the Indo-Pacific, middle powers in the Global South and Turkey will be key partners. At the same time, Europe must strengthen its own capabilities and reform internally in order to become a more credible and effective partner.
It is an honour for us to announce that the German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will deliver our fifth Helmut Schmidt Lecture.
Helmut Schmidt Lecture by Boris Pistorius
on 22 June 2026, 7 pm
at the Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften
Markgrafenstraße 38
10117 Berlin
Register for the Helmut Schmidt Lecture now.
Read more in our BKHS Magazine #5 „Strengthening Partner Europe!“
