In today’s world, the concept of “borders” has taken on a new and complex significance. It is no longer just a matter of geographical lines delimiting states, but of political, symbolic, and strategic spaces in which a fundamental part of European sovereignty, security, and identity is at stake. In a context marked by geopolitical instability, regional conflicts, migratory pressures, hybrid threats, and disinformation, border defense has become a priority for the European Union.
Today, borders are places of passage and friction, but also of shared responsibility. The EU’s external dimension, from its eastern borders with Belarus and Russia to its southern borders on the Mediterranean, is increasingly subject to pressures that test the resilience of the European project. Faced with these challenges, the Union has begun to equip itself with more robust instruments: the strengthening of Frontex’s mandate and operational capabilities, the development of the Common Security and Defense Policy, the implementation of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the establishment of the European Defense Fund, and, more recently, the debate on the militarization of certain border areas.
But defending borders is not just a question of force: it is also a balance between protection and rights. The tension between the need for security and respect for humanitarian norms and fundamental rights is increasingly evident, especially when it comes to managing migration flows or intervening in crisis areas. At the same time, there is a growing awareness that protecting borders today also means protecting them in cyberspace, from disinformation campaigns, attacks on critical infrastructure, and new technological threats.
The aim of this event is to reflect on how Europe can strengthen its strategic autonomy in defending its borders, addressing contemporary challenges with effective tools that are coordinated and consistent with its founding values. Through a discussion between institutions, security experts, lawyers, researchers, and civil society actors, we will try to imagine a new culture of European defense: one that is more aware, integrated, and supportive.
