October 28th, 2025 / 4.30 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. / Institut Français Bonn, Adenauerallee 35, 53113 Bonn

The EU faces the challenge of redefining its foreign and security policy role in a constantly changing world. As alliance and geopolitical realities shift, the question arises: Can the EU become an effective, capable, and influential actor—or will this remain a mere illusion?

We want to discuss this in an expert discussion with the renowned Cologne professor of international relations and geopolitics, Prof. Dr. Klemens H. Fischer. Parallel to his many years of service at the Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU from 1993 to 2023, most recently in the rank of minister-counselor and head of department, Professor Fischer was also active in academia. He publishes regularly on European law and international security policy. 

Together, we want to discuss the extent to which the structures, competences, and strategies of the EU can be further developed so that it can not only react to external developments but also act proactively itself. Following the moderated discussion, we look forward to many questions from the audience.