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Inter-parliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CFSP/CSDP) organised within the parliamentary dimension of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

7-8 March 2019 Bucharest, Romania

Hon Edward Zammit Lewis, MP Hon Carm Mifsud Bonnici, MP

RAPPORT LILL-ISPEAKER DW AR P ARTE CIP AZZJONI F'KONFERENZA TA' NATURA PARLAMENTARI BARRA MINN MALT A

1. TITLU TAL-KONFERENZA: KONFERENZA INTERPARLAMENTARI GMALL- POLITIKA ESTERA U TA' SIGURTA KOMUNI U POLITIKA TA' SIGURTA U TA' D IFIZA KOMUNI LI NZAMJviET GEW\VA BUCHAREST, RUtvlANIJA 2. DATA: 7-8 TA' MARZU 2019 3. ISEM IL-MEMBRU LI PPARTECIPA: L-ONOR. EDWARD ZA1'v1MIT LEWIS L-ON OR CARM MIFSUD BONNICI

4. SUGGETT / I FUQ L-AGENDA:

L-Agenda tal-laqgha hija annes sa bhala Dokument A.

5. KONKLUZJONIJIET TAL-LAQGMA, JEKK IKUN IL-KAZ:

L-istqarrija Finali tal-Konferenza Interparlamentari PESK/ PSDK hija mehmuza bhala Dokument B.

6. INTERVENT / I MAGMMUL/ A MILL-MEMBRU:

N/A

7. DOKUMENT I IMPORTANTI TAL-KONFERENZA LI TMOSS LI GMANDHOM IKUNU MEHMUZA JEKK IKUN IL-KAZ

Rapport tar-Research Analyst li ppartecipa fil-laqgha - Dokument C

Onor. Edward Zammit Lewis

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Inter-Parliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy

Bucharest, 7 - 8 March 2019

DRAFT PROGRAM

Wednesday, March 6th, 2019

Arrival of delegations

Conference registration at the hotels

Departure from the hotels by bus

Opening dinner offered by the Chairpersons of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Senate and of the Chamber of Deputies

Venue: the Romanian Athenaeum Foyer

Return to the hotels

Thursday, March 7"', 2019

Departure from the hotels by bus

Meeting of the Presidential Troika and the European Parliament

Venue: Dimitrie Cantemir Hall, The Palace of the Parliament

Informal meeting of the CommiHees on Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Parliaments of the South EU Member States

Venue: I. C. Br6tianu Half, The Palace of the Parliament

Departure from the hotels by bus for the rest of the delegations

Meetings of the Political Groups

• Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Parliamentary Dimension romania2019.eu QomoniOn Plesi<:Ktncv ol me Council ot the E\lrooeon Uniew'l Venue: Constantin Stere Hall, The Palace of the Parliament

• Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE)

Venue: Avram lancu Hall, The Palace of the Parliament

Coffee break Venue: Foyer of the AI. I. Cuza Hall, The Palace of the Parliament

Opening session Venue: AI. I. Cuza Hall, The Palace of the Parliament

· Opening Speech:

Colin POPESCU-TARICEANU, President of the Senate

Florin IORDACHE, Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies

·Speech:

loan Mircea PA~U, Vice-President of the European Parliament member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE)

Cristian-Sorin DUMITRESCU, Chair of the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee

Session I - The Eastern Partnership - 1 0 years of European aspirations

Venue: AI. I. Cuza Hall, The Palace of the Parliament

Moderator:

Dan DUNGACIU, President of the Black Sea University Foundation

Keynote speakers:

Teodor MELE~ANU, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania

Thomas Mayr HARTING, Managing Director for Europe and Central Asia, European External Action Service (EEAS)

Titus CORLATEAN, Senator, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania

Debate Parliamentary Dimension

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Lunch Venue: Foyer of the Plenary Hall of the Senate, The Palace of the Parliament Session II - The strategic importance of the Black Sea on the EU

agenda Venue: AI. I. Cuza Hall, The Palace of the Parliament Moderator: lulian CH/FU, President of the Conflict Prevention Center and Early Warning Keynote speakers:

loan Mircea PA~CU, Vice-President of the European Parliament, member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE)

Gabriel Beniamin LE~, Minister of Nationa l Defence, Romania

Sorin DUCARU, Ambassador, Director of EU SATCEN

Debate The CFSP/CSDP priorities and strategies. The future of European security

Statement via Live Video Connection:

Venue: AI. I. Cuza Hall, The Palace of the Parliament

Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the EU for Foreig n Affairs and Security Policy

Debate

Departure from the hotels

Tour of the National Museum of Art of Romania

Official dinner offered by the ChairpetSons of the Defence Committees of the Senate and of the Chamber of Deputies Parliamentary Dimension romania2019.eu RornoNon Pr~ei"IC\o' ol ire Coundl of rhe Eutooeon IJnlon

Venue: The National Museum of Art of Romania

Return to hotels

Friday, March 8th, 2019

Departure from the hotels by bus

Session Ill - CSDP Triangle: CARD-PESCO-EDF Venue: AI. I. Cuza Hall, The Palace of the Parliament Moderator: Mihnea MOTOC, Ambassador, Deputy General Director of European Political Strategy Centre, European Commission Keynote speakers: Jorge DOMECQ, Chief Executive, European Defence Agency Andrei IGNAT, State Secretary, Department for Armament Ministry of National Defence of Romania Arnout MOLENAAR, Senior Expert in Defence Policy Matters a nd Head of Division CMPD.2 "Capabilities concepts, training and exercises", European External Action Service (EEAS) Debate Coffee break

Venue: Foyer of the AI. I. Cuza Hall, The Palace of the Parliament

Workshops

Workshop A: Future of CFSP/CSDP from BREXIT perspective

Venue: Nicolae forgo Hall, The Palace of the Parliament Moderator:

Ana GOMES, Member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) and substitute member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), European Parliament

Contributors:

Jean Jacques BRIDEY, Chair, Committee for National Defence Parliamentary Dimension romania2019.eu Qomoruon P!eild9ncv 011ne Council ot lhe Eurooeon UntOn and Armed Forces, National Assembly, France

Matei Viorel ARDELEANU, Director General for Strategic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania

Markus KAIM, Senior Fellow, The German Institute for International and Security Affairs- SWP, Berlin

Workshop B: EU Strategy for the Danube Region

Venue: Constantin Stere Hall, The Palace of the Parliament

Moderator:

Doru C/audian FRUNZULICA, substitute member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and substitute member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE), European Parliament

Contributors:

Audrone PERKAUSKIENE, Head of Division for the Eastern partnership-regional cooperation and OSCE, European External Action Service (EEAS)

Radu GOR/NC/01, Romanian Coordinator for EUSDR, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Workshop C: Cyber Security and Hybrid Warfare

Venue: A vram lancu Hall, The Palace of the Parliament

Moderator:

Ramona MANESCU, member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), European Parliament

Contributors:

Mihnea COSTOIU, Rector of the Bucharest Polytechnic Un iversity

Catalin ARAMA, General Manager CERT-RO

I, Parliamentary Dimension

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Workshop D: Military mobility, a challenge to develop synergh::s between NATO and EU

Venue: Nicolae Balcescu Halt The Palace of the Parliament

Moderator: Victor BO$f'INARU, Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and substitute member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE), European Parliament Contrib utors: Eduard SIMION, Brigadier General, PhD, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Representative in Europe, NATO Aukje de VRIES, Chair, Standing Committee on Defence of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands Constantin NEGREA, Brigadier General Eng. PhD, Chief of Logistics Directorate, Defence Staff, Ministry of National Defence Lunch

Venue: Foyer of the Plenary Hall of the Senate, The Palace of the Parliament Session IV - A credible perspective for enlargement and a strengthened EU commitment to the Western Balkans Venue: AI. I. Cuza Hall, The Palace of the Parliament Moderator: Norica NICOLAI, Substitute member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and substitute member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE), European Parliament Keynote speakers: Victor B0$1/NARU, Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and substitute member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE), European Parliament Tanja MISCEVIC, Chief of Negotiating Team for Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the European Union

·.• Parliamentary Dimension romania2019.eu------RomonlOn Pre~lfJney 01rne Council 01 the Ewoooon Unloo Costas DOUZINAS, Chair of the Committee on defence and foreign affairs of Greece

Debate Closing the conference

• Presenting the conclusions of the workshops

• Presentation of the joint statement

Closing speech:

Dorei-Gheorghe CAPRAR, Chair of the Defence, Public Order and National Security Committee of the Chamber of Deputies

Venue: A f. f. Cuza Hoff, The Palace of the Parliament

Visit of The Palace of the Parliament

Departure of delegations 14th Inter-Parliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CFSP/CSDP) Bucharest, 7- 8 March 2019

Final statement by the co-presidency

The 14th Inter-parliamentary Conference for the CFSP/CSDP was held in Bucharest on 7 and 8 March 2019. It was attended by Parliamentarians from the EU Member States and the European Parliament. The Members exchanged views on a range of current foreign and security policy issues, which is reflected in our final statement.

CFSP/CSDP priorities and strategies. The future of European security

The time has come for the EU to develop a genuine common foreign and security policy (CFSP) to promote its interests, principles and values in the face of increasing challenges, notably in its neighbourhood. Available instruments need to be used more effectively and Member States should prioritise unified EU positions. EU ambitions need to be met with adequate commitment in terms of decision-making processes. Ideas such as the setting up of a EU Security Council and introducing qualified majority voting in the Council of the EU on matters relating to the CFSP other than those having military or defence implications, worth a deeper analysis before being contemplated by the Member States.

The end of the Intermediate range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty confronts us with the perspective of a new nuclear arms race in Europe. We, the Europeans, are required to stand firm ly together and harness our collective securi ty, we need to stand firmly together with our allies through the strongest NATO possible, and to fend off Russia's moves to intimidate us, to confuse our unity and to jeopardise decades of peace in Europe.

CSDP Triangle: CARD- PESCO- EDF

The new CFSP instruments: The Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) matches the ambitions from the Capability Development plan with the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) goals. The European Defence Fund (EDF) incentivises broad EU level cooperation in developing defence technologies and prototypes of future systems, in particular under PESCO. These three instruments are essential for framing the future of the security and defence policy at Union level. We note that progress needs to be made to use these instruments in concert with each other, and with others, in particular NATO's Defence Planning Process.

Parliaments at national and at Union level need to develop a practical approach to their related cooperation in the future, as there is only one single set of forces in Europe, and of taxpayers.

Invites the Member States to continue negotiations on the European Peace Facility which can contribute to supporting the EU capacity to respond to its international commitments.

Eastern Partnership -10 years of European aspirations

We reiterate the shared EU's commitments to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Eastern Partnership countries, peaceful resolution of any disputes and application of international law, democratic standards and the respect of human rights, the rule of law, and good and transparent governance.

We believe in the need to keep focus on reform agenda in these countries by applying the "more for more" principle and building incentives and conditionality and assist those who share our common values, and show true willingness to implement the necessary reforms. For this reason, a more ambitious Eastern partnership Plus is an option for countries who are ready to take more ambitious steps.

We deplore Russia's continuous violations of international law and its hybrid warfare in the region.

The strategic importance of the Black Sea on the EU agenda

The Black Sea region remains one of the most crucial regions for EU security. We condemn Russia's actions in the Sea of Azov, which constitute a breach of international maritime law and Russia's international commitments, as well as the building of the Kerch Bridge and the laying of underwater cables to the illegall y annexed Crimean peninsula without the consent of Ukraine. The Russian militarisation of the Sea of Azov, the Black Sea region and Kaliningrad District as well as the recurring pattern of violating the territorial waters of European countries in the Baltic Sea remain of serious concern.

We call on the European institutions to increase visibility of the Black Sea region and to build a more articulated regional approach as it is necessary to address common problems in a joint manner.

Future of CFSP/CSDP from BREXIT perspective

We recogni se the need to look for creative solutions fo r future cooperation between the European Union and the United Kingdom in the area of CFSP and CSDP to ensure that mutual interests are not compromised. Close cooperation and engagement are required in all areas and in particular in the coordination of positions in international organisations and as regards the sanctions policy. ln the area of CSDP, the United Kingdom and the Member States have expressed their desire to maintain the closest cooperation possible, including through NATO.

EU Strategy for the Danube Region

We consider that the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is a Community instrument well adapted for the macro-regional cooperation of the fourteen riparian states, precisely nine EU Member States: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany (through Bavaria and Baden Wiirttemberg Lander), Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, as well as the fi ve non-EU states: Herzegovina, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine.

: We support the strengthening and development of the regional political, economic and social cooperation and the implementation of the EU policies and legislation within the Danube macro-region.

Cyber Security and Hybrid Warfare

Cyber and hybrid warfare are at the core of the future challenges our armed forces are facing. As parliaments we need to be resilient, we need to foster resilience of our societies, and we need to be actors in carrying our message of democracy, freedom, human dignity and a multilateral world order, thereby reinforcing our European identity and our independence in order to promote peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world.

Military mobility, a challenge to develop synergies between NATO and EU

The newly developed military mobility concepts in NATO and the projected funding from the Union and the national budgets will lead to smoothened procedures and to the right investments to be made in the right places in the Member States.

Inter-parliamentary cooperation will be essential for the prioritisation of the projects, their funding and the common political scrutiny on the progress made. We recognize the ro le of the national Parliaments to provide a higher level of approximation of legislations and national relevant procedures.

A credible perspective for enlargement and a strengthened EU commitment to the Western Balkans

We commend the determination/ perseverance and courage demonstrated by political and civic actors, leading to the implementation of the Prespa Agreement as a major building block for peace and stability in the South Eastern Europe. We urge decision-makers across the region to build upon the positive momentum to resolve other long-standing disputes, notably through the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue faci litated by the EU. We reconfirm the Union's enduring engagement for lasting internal and external reconciliation, which is a prerequisite for EU accession and urge the countries of the region to overcome remaining differences.

We welcome the ongoing reform effmts undertaken in the region and reiterate our support to its transformation, with democracy, good governance and the rule of law being the cornerstones of a secure and sustainable European future fo r the Western Balkans. In particular, internal political dialogue, fighting corruption and organised crime, protecting human rights notably through minorities and defending media freedom are of utmost importance.

Cristian-Sorin Dumitrescu, Head of the delegation of the Romanian Parliament loan Mircea Pascu, Head of the delegation of the European Parliament lnterparliament ary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy

7- 8 March 2019, Bucharest, ROMANIA

The Maltese delegation to the lnterparliamentary Conference for the CFSP and CSDP consisted of Han. Edward Zammit Lewis and Han. Corm Mifsud Bonnici and Mr Andre' Vella, Research Analyst.

Opening of the lnterparliamentary Conf erence

The Inter-Parliamentary Conference for the CFSP-CSDP convenes once every six months in the country of the Presidency Parliament. The conference was opened by Mr Calin POPESCU-TARICEANU, President of the Senate, who made his opening remarks together with Ms Florin IORDACHE, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, Mr Cristian-Sorin DUMITRESCU, Cha irperson of the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee and Mr loan Mircea PASCU, Vice-President of the European Parl iament and member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).

Session 1: The Eastern Partners hip - 10 years of European aspirations

The Eastern Partnership is a specific Eastern dimension to the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). Through the ENP, the EU works with its southern and eastern neighbours to achieve the closest possible political association and the greatest possible degree of economic integration. Launched in 2009 as a joint policy initiative, the Ea stern Partnership (EaP) aims to deepen and strengthen relations between the European Union (EU), its Member States and its six Eastern neighbours: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republ ic of Moldova and Ukraine. During the Romania n Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we will celebrate 10 years since the launch of the EaP. At the latest Eastern Partnership Summit, which took place in Brussels in November 2017, all partners agreed to deliver tangible benefits to the da ily lives of their citize ns by focusing on achieving 20 Deliverables for 2020.

Mr Dan DUNGACIU, President of the Black Sea University Foundation was chairing this session, and introduced Mr Teodor M ELESCANU, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, who opened the first session. Recalling when he was the Chairperson of the Committee on Security Affairs, and Chairperson of the Defence Committee of the Senate, he stated that the Black Sea is one of the important areas of the Romanian Presidency. He stressed that from a Romanian point of view, one of the top priorities is the Eastern partnership, especially because 2019 ma rks its 10-year anniversary. Therefore, the Romanian presidency will be taking stock of the situation. This is an opportunity to prepare for a post-2020 partnership policy. These 10 years brought about constant development of the partner countries through the Association agreements. These steps contributed to commit these countries to carry out necessary reforms and increase trade with the EU while improving their socio-

1 economic status. The motto of the Romanian presidency is 'Cohesion, A Common European Va lue' to underline that a stronger Europe can only succeed with solid and comprehensive action aimed at strengthening ties with our partners, includ ing our immediate neighbours. What lies in the future of the Eastern Partnership Agreement? Accord ing to Mr Melescanu, the definition of the ambitions and aspirations related to the Eastern Partnership can be very important from all point of views. A lot can still be done with regards to advance economic, social and institutiona l reforms in the pa rtner countries. The Eastern Partnership is not only a priority of the Romania n Presidency of the Council, nut also a priority of the European Un ion.

Mr Thomas Mayr HARTING, Managing Director for European and Central Asia, European External Action Service (EEAS), also remembered the 10-year anniversary of the Eastern Partnership agreement. The first question that Mr Harting tackled was about the European aspirations of the Eastern partners and commented that support for Europe and the European idea in the EU's association partners was even bigger than some EU membe r states, referring to Brexit. Mr Harting also recalled 2019 to be the 5-year anniversary of the Euromaiden revolution in Ukra ine. The Eastern Partnership agreement has contributed to the resilience of the region considering these developments. One of the key principles that guide the EU is strengthening the economic sectors and supporting SMEs, channelling more than two billion euro and creating t housands new jobs. Another key principle is improving connectivity, putting emphasis on energy security and energy efficiency. Most importantly, a key principle and field of the Eastern Partnership cooperation is people to people contacts, working with civil society and Erasmus+ has provided opportunities for thirty thousand students from the Eastern Partnership countries in the last ten years. Despite al l the progress that has been achieved in view of the 2020 deliverables, there is still a long way w ith regards on governance and ru le of law. Speaking about binary choices, Mr Harting recalled a conversation he had with an ambassador from the Eastern Partner countries in Brussels arguing that t he Eastern Partnership countries would like to have a binary choice, but the truth of the matter is that within the Council of the Member States of the EU there is no consensus on this kind of exclusive perspective. Instead the council simply acknowledges the Eu ropean aspirations of the Eastern Partnership countries.

Finally, Titus CORLATEAN, Senator, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, was the last keynote speaker of this session. As it was already noted by previous keynote speakers, 2019 is t he ten- yea r ann iversary of t he Eastern Partnership. In ten-years significant development was achieved. The incentive-based approach ("More for More") has been successful in supporting reforms in the fields of good governance, democracy, the rule of law and human rights, where t here is a commitment by partners to such reforms. However, it has not proven a sufficiently strong incent ive to create a commitment to reform, where there is not the political will. In these cases, the EU will explore more effective ways to make its case for fundamental reforms with partners, including through engagement with civil, economic and social actors. The Eastern Partnership aims at bui ld ing a common area of shared democracy, prosperity, stability and increased cooperation. Additionally, bonds forged through the Eastern Partnership help strengthening state and societal resilience: it makes both the EU and the partners stronger and better able to deal with internal and external chal lenges.

2 Session II: The Strategic Importance of the Black Sea on the EU Agenda

The Black Sea is bordered by six countries, including the EU Members States Bulgaria and Romania. To foster synergies and coordination among their blue economy sectors, the European Commission seeks dialogue with the sta keholder community, both public and private. The Commission supports capacity building and cross-border and transnational cooperation on marine and maritime issues.

The revised EU Maritime Security Strategy {E U MSS) Action Pla n features a section dedicated entirely to actions with regional focus and four of them are dedicated to the Black Sea. These foresee the following: to promote regional cooperation initiatives; to support t he synergies promoted by the Facility for Blue Growth; to support the work done against crime in the Black Sea basin; and to foster multi-stakeholder dialogue in the region. Following the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union, the European Commission proposed in April 2007 to the Parliament and the Council in a Communication on the Black Sea Synergy initiative, the EU 's key policy framework and its practical contribution to t he regional coope ration in the Black Sea. The Black Sea Synergy is part of the broader European Neighbou rhood Policy. Mr lulian CHIFU, President of the Conflict Prevention Center and Early Warning, moderated this session.

The first keynote speaker was Mr loan Mircea PA~CU , Vice-President of the European Parliament. In his address, he emphasised t hat the EU became stronger with the membership of Bu lgar ia and Romania . The importance of t he area is evident as a point of contact between different civilizations and a bridge between Europe and Asia. There is a growing economic importance, pointing out that one of the consequences of Great Britain's interest to import grains from the Crimean region resulted in unrest in the area. The EU approached the area in 2007 with t he Black Sea Synergy - which according to Mr Pa~cu was less than a strategy with the sole objective to show interest on the connectivity between mainland EU and the Balkans. However, the Synergy lac ked substance and produced no concrete results. This created a vacuum which was f illed by NATO, relegating the EU to a secondary role. The Black Sea in intricately linked to the Danube river, the biggest East-West river under EU control. Finally, Mr Pa~cu called on greater care for the Danube river for this reason.

The second keynote spea ker to add ress the conference was H.E. Gabriel Beniamin LE~ , Minister of National Defence, Romania . The wider Black Sea region represents an area of confrontation between t he geopolitical interests of the West and those of the Russian Federation. The involvement of the Russian federation in the Ukrainian crisis represents t he strongest degradation of the European order system with international impact since the Cold War, highlighting Moscow's intentions based on classical military power and hybrid warfare aimed to re-establish its sphere of influence. The most important influence on the security of the Black Sea ge nerated by Russi a's new assertive approach and aggressive behaviour in relations w ith its neighbours and towards NATO and the European Union. The illega l annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and the medd ling in conflict in Eastern Ukraine has rendered an important transformation of the Black Sea's strategic rea lity and generated new threats against its bordering states. Mr Le~ continued to describe the Russian buildup in the Azov Sea and while citing other aggressions committed by Ru ssia in the recent years, cal led on the EU to take into account these developments.

3 Finally, Ambassador Sorin DUCARU, former NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, new Director of EU SATCEN addressed the conference. The Black Sea is an important gee strategic relevance especia lly for Romanian s. The Black Sea shou ld be perceived in the whole Euro Asian perspective, to notice gee-strategic tectonic plates meet. Using a broader perspective therefore would ensure a broader strategy between the EU and the wider Black Sea region. Mr Ducaru stressed the importance of viewing the Black Sea as a continuum of the Mediterranean Sea. It is important to acknowledge the linkages between the Black Sea and the Balkan region. He concluded his address by referring to the new Silk Road through the Black Sea and emphasising t he energy needs of the Balkan region, calling for an energy-ind ependent EU.

Session Ill: CSOP Triangle: CARD-PESCO-EOF

The Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) matches the ambitions f rom t he Capabi lity Development plan with the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) goals. Moreover, t he European Defence Fund (EDF) incentivises broad EU level cooperation in developing defence technologies and prototypes of future systems, in particular under PESCO. These three new CFSP instruments are essential for framing the future of the security and defence policy at Un ion level. This session was moderated by Ambassador Mihnea MOTOC, Deputy Director General, Defence and Security European Political Strategy t entre.

The first keynote speaker to take the floor was Jorge DOMECQ Chief Executive, European Defence Agency. The new defence initiatives are very important for the future of European defence. Mr Domecq described the title of the session as very-well framed because all three inst ruments are interlinked. During the CFSP-CSDP conference held in Malta in 2017, on ly a general vision set out in the global strategy existed for European security and defence. Based on the newly introduced principle of EU added secu rity provider, t he Eu would also guarantee the security of its citizens and its territory complemented with an appropriate level of ambition and strategic autonomy. There was the idea of a defence package and its three initiatives only on paper, with no concrete actions. Since that time, PESCO and EDF have been launched and shaped into their current form during 2018. The capability development priorities have been reviewed and developed in the framework of EDA. The remarkable speed and willingness among Member States t o set up and support this defence package further highlights the importance that the EU put in the security and defence of Europe today. 2019 is the year of implementation of the package, epitomised by these new instruments. Mr Domecq called on Member States to reinforce these tools that exist and embed t hem into the nationa l planning systems.

Andrei IGNAT, State Secretary, Department for Armament, Ministry of National Defence addressed the plenary next, noting that progress still needs to be made to use these instruments in concert with each other. He also emphasised the importance of cooperation with NATO's Defence Planning Process. Parliaments, at national and at Union level need to develop a practical approach to their related cooperation in the future, as there is on ly one single set of forces in Europe, and of taxpayers. He Invited Member States to continue negotiations on the European Peace Facility which can contribute to supporting the EU capacity to respond to it s international commitments.

4 The final key note speaker was Arnout MOLENAAR, Senior Expert in Defence Policy M atters and Head of Division CM PD.2 "Capabilities concepts, t raining and exercises", Eu ropean External Action Service (EEAS). These new CSDP instruments are a timely topic to reflect on t he direction of Europe's defence. He recalled the Global Strategy being published in 2016 during precarious times in Europe, quoting the High Representative referring to existential threats within t he Un ion and beyond. According to Mr Molenaar this strategy instilled a sense of urgency about the structural issues facing Europe. As a result, several initiatives and innovat ions were launched including the shift of debate from CSDP to a wider secu rity and defence concept. The key underpinning issue to implement the new instruments is cooperation beyond borders between Member States to overcome the st ructural deficit. This was the starting point of the new defence instruments. It is important to ensure cont inuity and coherence with NATO with regards any future initiatives. The future debates on European security and defence should revolve around how these different initiatives can be used in a coherent manner to deliver the results the EU is looking for.

Workshop A: A Future of CFSP/CSOP from BREXIT perspective

During this workshop the need to look for creative solutions for future cooperation between t he European Union and the Un ited Kingdom in the area of CFSP and CSDP was recognised as the most essential after Brexit. The EU should ensure that mutual interests are not compromised, including through NATO . Close cooperation and engagement are required in al l areas and in particu lar in the coordination of posit ions within international organisations and as regards sanctions policies.

Workshop 8: EU Strategy for the Danube Region

The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is a Community instrument well adapted for the macro-regional cooperation of the fourteen ripa rian states, precisely nine EU Member States: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany (through Bavaria and Baden Wurttemberg Lander}, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, as well as the five non-EU states: Herzegovina, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine. The strengthening and devel opment of the regional political, economic and social cooperation and the implementation of the EU policies and legislation wit hin the Danube macro-region will benefit every sta keholder invo lved. EUSDR is structured around four major pillars (according to the targeted objective) and eleven priority areas (coordinated by two states or Lander in the region); t he Interconnection of the Danube Region, protecting the environment, increasing prosperity and strengthening the Danube Region.

Workshop C: Cyber Security and Hybrid Warfare

The European Union's cybersecurity strategy, which was released in February 2013 and approved by the Council in June 2013, sets out strategic objectives and concrete actions aimed at achieving resilience, reducing cybercrime, developing cyberdefence capabilities, and establishing an international cyberspace policy. In addition, the strategy articulated the EU's international cyber policy and cyber-defence objectives for the first time. Cyber and hybrid warfare are at the core of the future challenges that armed forces are facing today. Parliaments need to be resil ient and foste r resilience in societies by carrying the message of democracy, freedom, human dignity and a multilateral world order. Th is is how the European identity and EU's independence can be reinforced in order to promote peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world.

Hybrid threats can range from cyber-attacks on critical information systems, through the disruption of critical services such as energy supplies or financial services, to the undermining of public trust in government institutions or the deepening of social divisions. Therefore, additional efforts have to be made in the future in order to counter the threats and vulnerabilities, especially by expanding the capacity to detect hybrid threats and scale up the measures against disinform ation campaigns, bu ilding up the preparedness against CBRN attacks, reinforce cybersecurity measures and counter intelligence expertise at EU level, improve capacity to detect hybrid threat. To this end, the EU Hybrid Fusion Cell will be expanded with specialised chemical, biological, radiologica l and nuclear, counter intelligence as well as cyber analytical components.

Workshop D: Military mobility, a challenge to develop synergies between NATO and EU

Currently, military mobility represents one of the areas of maximum interest and political vi sibility, assumed as a priority both at NATO and at European level. This issue is approached in the context of discussions on strengthening the NATO posture of defence and deterrence within the European Defence Agency (EDA), at European Commission level, as well as in the PESCO format. Mil itary mobility is a commitment made in the context of permanent structured cooperation and is a reference area for EU-NATO cooperation. One of the most important parameters of military mobility is its cross-sectoral character, efforts in t his area exceeding the area of responsi bility of the armed forces. Increasing the degree of the mobility force requires concerted action in various sectors such as the regulatory one (optimization of customs transit procedures and procedures, facilitation of the issuance of permits for entry, stationary and overpass, use of agreed NATO and EU forms), infrastructure transportation works (adaptation of civilian infrastructu re to meet military needs), the adoption of dedicated IT systems to facilitate customs procedures, the use of Europea n funding for the development of dual-use infrastructure.

The challenges of the international security environment require highe r attention t o the col lective defence and its needs, notably military mobility. Procedures and infrast ructures in Europe are not properly dimensioned for a larger dislocation of forces. The newly developed military mobility concepts in NATO and the projected funding from the Union and t he national budgets will lead to smoothened procedures and to the right investments to be made in the right places in t he Member States. Inter-parliamentary cooperation will be essential for the prioritisation of t he projects, their funding and the common political scrutiny on the progress made.

6 Session IV: A credible perspective for enlprgement and a strengthened EU commitment to the Western Balkans

The Balkan Region includes countries that are not members of the European Union, each country striving to be a part of the future enlargement of the European Union, by meeting the fastest possib le accession conditions but, until then, they will be strongly connected with the pre-EU wa iting program CEFTA. All the Western Balkan states have an institutionalized relationsh ip with t he EU, subordinated to the Stabilisation and Association Process. On 1 July 2013, Croatia became the 28th Member State of the EU. Albania, Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia are cand idate countries and have already signed Stabilisation and Association Agreements with the EU, whereas Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for the status of candidate country is bei ng analysed by the European Commission. The last session of the conference was moderated by Norica NICOLAI, substitute member if the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and substitute member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) of the European Parliament.

The first keynote speaker was Victor BOSTINARU, Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and substitute member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) of the European Parliament. Mr Bostinaru explained that his motivation to run for European Parliament elections was the Balkan region and promote EU enlargement. There has been great progress in key countries, especially for Serbia and Montenegro. He also congratulated Greece and Macedonia for having sorted out their differences and augured that this development boded well for the other Western Bal kan countries. The only pathway to advance is to address the specific problems and challenges and become part of a greater Eu rope.

Tanja MISCEVI( Chief Negotiator for Serbia's accession negotiations with the EU, focused on the Kosovan issue and its European aspirations. On top of all the political backslid ing in Serbia-Kosovo relations, the EU itself actively contributed to the present cul-de-sac. Besides fu ll recognition, visa liberalisation for Kosovo has been perceived as the main incentive for it to take part in the normalisation process with Serbia. Kosovo undertook a number of efforts to fulfill the criteria, the main one being the ratification of a border demarcation agreement with Montenegro.

Konstantinos DOUZINAS, Chair of the Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs of Greece was the last panellist to address the conference. He started with a brief geo-politica l history with regards to the West Balkans, claiming that we live in an age of anxiety and uncertainty because the international political system is in a state of flux. The old bipolar internat ional system between USA and Russian Federation is on the way out while the new emerging multipolar system has yet to form, as t here are multiple stakeholders aiming to gain influence. He questioned whether a new bipolar world will emerge between China and USA. This change is being from about by the partial withdrawal of the USA in the world, including Middle East, turning towards Asia and the decl ine of the 'West'. In t he next thirty or forty years there will be a clear expectation that will be a major shift of power and capital from the North to the South and from the West to the East. The population flows that Europe has been experiencing recently is a clear indication of this rearrangement of the international ba lance of forces. Quoting Gramsci, Mr Douzinas described the situation as t he age of monsters. He warned against the emergence of nationalistic Eurosceptic right-wing movements which are often racist, antisemitic and lslamophobic which are threatening the foundations of the European Union.

7 Therefore, he called on the other parliamentarians to acknowledge t his reality and prepare for a new wave of Eurosceptics as a potential stumbling block to further enlargement.

Closing session

Mr Cristian-Sorin DUMITRESCU, Cha irperson of the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee, concluded the conference and presented a final statement without discussion which serves as the conclusions of the conference.