The 3rd MeDiterrate Symposium -“Ukraine Two Years Later”- concludes with great success
The Foundation for Mediterranean Studies – MeDiterrate is pleased to announce that the Symposium ‘Ukraine Two Years Later: Implications for International Security’ has concluded successfully. Held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Hall of the Athens Bar Association, the event brought together notable scholars and analysts to examine how the war in Ukraine continues to impact Europe and the rest of the world.
Under the distinguished moderation of Vasilios Konstantineas – Ambassador (honorary) and General Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Mediterranean Studies – MeDiterrate, the symposium witnessed profound discussions led by renowned speakers.
“The Substratum of the Ukrainian Crisis”
Georgios D. Pukamisas – Ambassador (honorary), analyzed the formation of Ukraine into a state entity and presented the relations it historically shaped with Russia and later the Soviet Union. He explained that during the Soviet system, Ukraine gained substantial autonomy in the former USSR. Within this framework, he analyzed the recent developments.
“The Geopolitical Dimension”
Ioannis Baltzois – Lieutenant General –President of the Hellenic Institute of Strategic Studies, presented and explained how Russia was pushed to make a military invasion of Ukraine. The aggressive, as he stated, strategy of the US and the West, in general, did not leave much room for different behavior in Russia as it felt surrounded by NATO forces.
“The Impact on the European Economy”
Yannis E. Doukas –Assistant Professor of the University of Athens and Executive Secretary of the International Scientific Council of the Foundation for Mediterranean Studies – MeDiterrate, explained the negative economic consequences of the War on the European economy. He presented Russia’s significant economic interconnection with the EU and the great difficulties faced by the European countries- mainly Germany- in the effort to reduce their energy dependence.
“Ukrainization in International Relations”
Stamatis Georgoulis – Supreme Court Lawyer, PhD in International Law, explained Russia’s longstanding resilience and presented its attitude towards Ukraine as a country that should not join NATO to bring peace to the European continent. He argued that an effective solution would be to integrate Russia into a wider European alliance.
After the speeches, a discussion followed with insightful questions and valuable interventions from the audience.
All agreed that the event touched on the key issues and pledged to return at a future time as significant developments are expected.
