ELF is positioning itself on the top of AI. Launching a new AI study at the end of 2025 and continuing the work on the topic, the hosting of several sessions on the transformative power of AI at the DISB in Bucharest is a logic continuity of this strategic focus.
About the event
European Security at crossroads.
Defence and Security are currently in the focus: What is happening in the world? The situation in both Greenland and the US have shown us how fast everything can change in our security architecture. This event will go from a broader to more specific discussions on the topic.
About the event
In an era defined by rapid geopolitical change and growing uncertainty, defence and security have once again become central to the future of our societies. The challenges we face today go far beyond traditional military threats including cyber warfare, disinformation, economic coercion, and attacks on democratic institutions.
March 23rd
09:00 Welcoming Coffee
10:00 Opening
Speaker: Urmas Paet, MEP, Renew Europe Group
10:10 Welcoming Words by European Liberal Forum
Speaker: Alva Finn, Executive Director, European Liberal Forum
0:15 Keynote address by the Prime Minister of Estonia
Speaker: Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Estonia
10:35 Discussion: “How to Survive in a Geopolitical Turbulence”
Moderator and Introductory remarks: Urmas Paet, MEP, Renew Europe Group
Speakers:
Marko Mihkelson, MP, Reform Party, Estonia
Vivian Loonela, Head of Cabinet of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, European Commission
Ify Agboola, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Estonia
11:40 Coffee break
12:00 Video greeting
Speaker: Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine
12:05 Fireside chat: “Security Begins with Strategy – Europe’s Choices”
Discussion between Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence of Estonia and Pål Jonson Minister of Defence of Sweden.
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Panel discussion: “Modern Warfare and the Industry Behind It”
Moderator: Alva Finn, Executive Director, European Liberal Forum
Speakers:
Viacheslav Shelestovskyi, Armed Forces of Ukraine
Aivar Hanniotti, Twentyfour Industries
Ragnar Sass, Entrepreneur and leader of Ukraine support initiatives
15:00 Discussion: “Ready or Not? Security Is the Will to Defend”
Moderator: Yoko Alender, MP, Estonian Parliament
Speakers:
Martin Herem, Former Chief of the Estonian Defence Forces, Milrem Robotics
Taavi Kotka, Estonian Government Officer
Wojciech Przybylski, Political Analyst, Visegrad Insight, Poland
6:00 Future outlook and concluding reflections of the day
16:30 Networking reception – by invitation only
18:30 Closing of the event