Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Today in Brussels, the activities of the "Schuman Forum" for security and defense organized by the European Union, which began yesterday and will last for two days, continue today
  Louis Bueno, European spokesman for North Africa and the Middle East, said in a tweet on Twitter that the conference is organized by the European Union to discuss international security with its partners. Many countries and international organizations participate in it, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, the League of Arab States, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Today's activities began on Tuesday with a speech by the Supreme Coordinator for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, then the plenary session was held and a high-level discussion began under the title of Building Security and Defense Together - Benefiting from Our Partnerships, then the first round table was held under the title Facing Crises Together, the second under the title Building Our Collective Resilience, and the third under the title The title of securing the seas and the maritime space together, and after the afternoon break, a new discussion will be held under the title of adhering to pluralism and the rules-based international order, after which Borrell will deliver the closing speech.
According to what was published on the official website of the conference, the European Union is committed to promoting international peace, security and stability, and to defending the rules-based international order defined in the Charter of the United Nations. Through its support for mediation and conflict prevention, crisis response, capacity building and the provision of humanitarian aid, the EU acts as a responsible, relevant and capable actor around the world. In today's changing geopolitical context, mutually beneficial security and defense partnerships are essential to underpinning the rules-based international order and effective multilateralism, achieving common goals, and contributing to peace and security around the world.
The EU Strategic Compass, adopted in March 2022, outlines concrete steps the EU will take to strengthen its position as a capable, effective and responsible actor in the field of security and defence; To protect the security and prosperity of its citizens and to contribute more effectively to international peace and stability. Doing this in partnership with others is at the heart of how the EU views its international role.
The inaugural Schumann Security and Defense Forum (Schumann Forum) seeks to contribute to the important partnerships that underpin the EU's high level of ambition in the field of security and defence. The Shoman Forum is part of the EU's broader engagement to create a more coherent and inclusive network of relations with international and regional actors and bilateral partners around the world. Specifically, it aims to facilitate dialogue and strategic thinking on international security and defense between the European Union and its Member States and their partners, examining current trends, issues and initiatives. It brings together politicians, senior decision-makers and military representatives from EU member states and partner countries, and representatives of international and regional organizations with which the EU cooperates in the areas of security and defense. Civil society members, thought leaders and opinion makers are also invited. The Schumann Forum is held every two years under the authority of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.
Building security and defense together
In today's world, competing visions and agendas about global order are increasingly challenging established multilateral norms and organizations. When states deliberately undermine the rules-based international order, peace and stability are at risk. Even in peacetime, some states use a variety of hybrid tools to undermine the sovereignty of those they see as their competitors. Non-state actors can also pose a threat to our security. In addition, new dimensions of warfare add complexity to the conflicts already underway. As the warring parties continue to send soldiers onto the battlefield, they increasingly encounter each other in cyberspace, for example.
We need to prepare and mobilize our capabilities to respond to severe threats and crises - including in areas such as cyberspace or outer space, which are of paramount importance to our security and defense. Building resilience against all types of hybrid threats is essential to maintaining the functioning of our societies and the sovereignty of our nation. Even oceans and seas require collective solutions to counter growing security threats such as piracy and poaching or to protect critical infrastructures. On all of those fronts, strong international partnerships are essential.
Partnerships bring tangible value to the EU and its security and defense partners. The Shoman Forum will shed light on how ongoing and potential partnerships can contribute to jointly addressing common challenges and promoting international peace and security.