The topic of this year’s Foreign Policy Conference, “Security in the Twilight Zone – Regional Perspectives on the War in Eastern Europe”, put on by Heinrich Böll Foundation, took place from 6th to 10th February. For the fourth year in a row, members of the Global Diplomacy Lab took on an active role in the event.

Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine has led to an increased focus on security in Central, Northern and Eastern European States. While Moscow is increasingly threatening the territorial integrity of its neighbouring countries, the neighbours’ self-confidence is growing. They no longer wish to be treated as “Russia’s backyard”, especially the post-Soviet states between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea, which are outside the EU and NATO.

In addition to this regional focus, the conference also looked at the global impact of Putin’s war of aggression.

Two GDL Members were invited to participate in the conference as external experts. Maia Mazurciewicz contributed a “Message from the Ground” on Day 2. Gaurav Sharma will shine a light on the Indian perspective on Putin’s war of aggression on Day 3.

The conference was conducted in a hybrid manner. You can find all further information here.