Contemporary security challenges in Europe
What needs to be done?
Dec 16, 2025 / Vienna / European Security and Defence / Austrian Foreign, Security, Defence Policy
On 12 November 2025, AIES Director Michael Zinkanell took part in the event “Contemporary security challenges in Europe. What needs to be done?” at the Austrian Armed Forces’ National Defence Academy in Vienna. Following opening remarks, Dr Carlo Masala (University of the Bundeswehr Munich) delivered a keynote setting the stage for an expert roundtable and an in depth discussion with the audience.
Alongside Michael Zinkanell, the panel featured H.E. Vito Cecere (Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Vienna) and Major General Ronald Vartok (Head of the Directorate for International Relations and Defence Policy at the Austrian Ministry of Defence). The discussion was moderated by MinR Ute Axmann (Press Officer in the Cabinet of the Federal Minister, Ministry of Defence). An informal get together afterwards offered an opportunity to continue the exchange.
Substantively, the debate focused on ongoing shifts in the international system and what they mean for European security and defence, the threat posed by Russia, and how Europe can strengthen credibility, deterrence, and decision making in crisis situations. Building on a scenario outlined by Dr Masala involving a potential Russian attack in the Baltic region, the speakers examined critical decision points and practical implications, drawing conclusions for Europe, the EU, and Austria.
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