On June 12–13, the 6th Annual International Conference was held at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace Hotel, organized by the University of Georgia’s Center for Security, Politics and Nationalism Research (UGSPN). This year’s conference, titled "Europe is... Long Live the New Europe!", explored the core principles of the European idea, its future prospects, and the key challenges it faces.

🇬🇪🇪🇺 The event was officially opened by the Rector of the University of Georgia, Konstantine Topuria, and the European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski. Distinguished invited guests included:

• 🇪🇺 Christoph Brejza, Member of the European Parliament
• 🇩🇪 Sascha Hach, Researcher at the Frankfurt Institute for Peace Research
• 🇬🇧 Michael Clarke, Security Analyst at SKY News
• 🇹🇷 Mustafa Aydin, President of the Turkish Council on Foreign Relations

The conference was also attended by policy experts, scholars, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from international organizations and academia from various countries.

The aim of the conference was to highlight the key developments and events shaping dynamics on national, regional, and global levels. Discussions focused on the following critical topics:

• Europe’s pursuit of greater autonomy in defense and security amid shifting transatlantic relations;
• Challenges surrounding the European Union’s enlargement in Eastern Europe;
• Opportunities for cooperation and integration in the South Caucasus;
• The erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarian regimes;
• Strategies of resistance and the resilience of institutions.