The world is in turmoil. Geopolitical conflicts, growing polarisation and a weakening of multilateralism through imperialistic power struggles are becoming the norm. At the same time, we witness a shift from fixed alliance structures towards alignment and multi-alignment, where states form situational coalitions, further undermining the predictability and stability of international relations. These developments are accompanied by growing mistrust and a dwindling willingness to cooperate. The current Peace Report addresses the question of how peace can be preserved and identifies strengthening institutional peacekeeping as one key element. The EU is divided in many aspects of security and defense policy and is struggling to come to grips with the new strategic environment. Nevertheless, it could play an important role in overcoming the increasing polarisation by upholding the idea of a rule-based order. This would entail pursuing greater strategic autonomy on the one hand and forging new partnerships on the other hand.
We want to discuss how the EU can succeed in finding its new role in changing world order, what partnerships are needed and perhaps also what concessions? What shape might a future international order take? What could be a long-term strategy to shape this order and secure the EU’s ability to actively influence its development – and maintain stability and peace.
The Peace Report is the joint yearbook of the German Institutes of Peace and Conflict Research (BICC / HSFK / IFSH / INEF). Researchers from various disciplines investigate the realities of conflicts in various countries around the world and call on Europe to forge new partnerships to jointly protect rules and prevent conflicts.
Program
12:00 | Registration and Light Lunch
12:30 | Welcome Remarks
- Katrin Hatzinger, Director of the EKD office Brussels
- Philipp Goldberg, Deputy Head of the FES EU Office
12:40 | Panel Discussion
- Dr. Stefan Kroll, PRIF – Peace Research Institute Frankfurt
- Carla Tavares, MEP (tbc)
- Thorsten Kirschner, Chief of Chaplains, German Armed Forces
Followed by discussion with the audience chaired by Katrin Hatzinger, Director of the EKD office Brussels.
14:00 | End of the programme
When: Thursday, November 20, 2025, 12:00–14:00
Where: Office of the EKD, Rue Joseph II 166, 1000 Brussels
The panel discussion will be held in English. There will be no interpretation. Please register via ekd.bruessel@ekd.eu.