Organised in partnership with the Egmont Institute (Belgium), the Bundesakademie für Sicherheitspolitik (BAKS) (Germany), the Centro Alti Studi per la Difesa (CASD) (Italy) and the CESD, the course took place in three successive modules in Brussels, Berlin and Rome. It brought together experienced civilian and military managers from European institutions, national administrations, armed forces and partner organisations.
Brussels: the foundations of strategic thinking
The first module, hosted in Brussels by the Egmont Institute and the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, was devoted to the major geopolitical balances in the world and the main strategies of contemporary powers. Participants focused on Russian, Chinese and American strategies, as well as the geopolitical dynamics affecting Europe's African and Middle Eastern neighbours. Discussions also focused on geo-economic issues and the role that the European Union can play in a context marked by the return of strategic competition between major powers.
Berlin: war-tested Europe
The second module, organised by BAKS in Berlin, looked in greater depth at the security consequences of the return of war to the European continent. Participants discussed integrated security, EU-NATO cooperation, strategic planning, global defence and the future of warfare with senior German political, military and institutional figures. Visits to the Bundestag and the Bundeswehr operational command, as well as discussions with representatives of the European defence industry, enriched the discussions on Europe's ability to meet current and future security challenges.
Rome: European defence, industry and strategic challenges
The third and final module, co-organised by CASD and IHEDN in Rome, addressed a number of major issues for the future of European security: implementation of the White Paper on European Defence and the «ReArm Europe - Readiness 2030» plan, strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base, developments in transatlantic relations, the role of the European Union in its southern neighbourhood, EU-NATO cooperation on innovation and hybrid threats.
Strengthening a common European strategic culture
Through this new edition of the Senior Strategic Course, IHEDN has continued its commitment within the CESD to the development of a shared European strategic culture. Each year, IHEDN co-organises the third and final module of the SSC with the Italian CASD, alternating between Rome and Paris. After the 2026 edition hosted in Rome, the final module of the 2027 edition will be held in Paris, thus continuing this dynamic of Franco-Italian and European cooperation in the service of strategic thinking and collective security.
