November 18, 2025 (Tuesday)
international forum at hiia
EastSec Forum 2025
The shifting geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe and its neighborhood raises urgent challenges. From the prospects of lasting peace in Ukraine and the security of the Baltic states, to Moldova’s strategic turn to the West and the uncertain trajectory of Belarus, the region stands at a crossroads. In the South Caucasus, the so-called “Trump Route” is presented as a potential path toward stability, while Georgia’s European orientation remains contested. Hungary’s position in this complex Eastern neighborhood adds further nuance to the debate.
This full-day conference brings together leading international experts to analyze these pivotal issues, offering one of the most comprehensive and insightful forums on the future of the region.
Program
9:00–9:15
Welcoming remarks
9:15–9:30
Presentation of position papers
Ruslan Bortnik:
The Role of Europe in a Future Security Architecture for Ukraine
Sándor Seremet:
A Path for the United States and Russia in Eurasia
Péter Pál Kránitz:
Norms Without Strategy: Repairing the EU’s Broken Strategy in the South Caucasus
9:30–10:45
The Future of Eastern Europe’s Security Architecture: aftermath of the Russo-Ukrainian war
Roundtable discussion
Panelists:
Balázs Jarábik
Founder, Minority Report
Konstantin Bogdanov
Head of Sector for Strategic Analysis and Forecasting at Center for International Security, IMEMO
Zachary Paikin
Deputy Director of the Better Order Project and Research Fellow in the Grand Strategy Program, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Ruslan Bortnik
Senior Research Fellow, Hungarian Institute of International Affairs
Moderator:
Sándor Seremet
Senior Research Fellow, Hungarian Institute of International Affairs
10:45 – 11:00
Coffee break
11:00–12:30
Navigating Geopolitical Tides in Europe’s Eastern Neighbourhood
Roundtable discussion
Panelists:
Tornike Sharashenidze
Full-time professor; Head of the MA Program of International Affairs, Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA)
Yauheni Preiherman
Founder and Director, Minsk Dialogue
Rusif Huseynov
Co-founder and Director, Topchubashov Center
Gevorg Melikyan
Founder, Armenian Institute for Resilience & Statecraft
Moderator:
Péter Pál Kránitz
Senior Research Fellow, Hungarian Institute of International Affairs
12:30–12:45
Closing remarks
13:00–14:00
Lunch
The event will be conducted in English but we will also provide Hungarian language interpretation.
Register and stay tuned!
Venue
Hungarian Institute of International Affairs
H-1062 Budapest, Bajza Street 44
REGISTRATION
To attend the event, please register in advance by clicking the registration button above.
We will send individual confirmation the day before the event to those whose registration has been accepted.