Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has changed the configuration of the international security order, altered the roles of the main powers and created unexpected alliances.  Russia is likely to represent a major threat to Europe and beyond for years to come. The new global instability is delivering lessons to be learned and new challenges for other regions, particularly the Asia-Pacific as well as the Transatlantic relationship.  Yet, to grasp fully the medium-to-long term implications of the war requires a multidimensional analysis.

Michael Karnitschnig, Director for External Relations at the European Commission’s Secretariat General, will address these issues from the EU’s perspective and will shed light on the evolving role of the EU as a global actor in geopolitics and geo-security.

About the speaker:

Michael Karnitschnig has been serving as the Director for External Relations in the Secretariat-General of the European Commission, the EU’s executive body, since 2019. He leads a team of 50 colleagues to shape and coordinate all strands of EU external action, from Europe’s support to Ukraine and its Russia sanctions via its China Strategy to EU enlargement and global economic issues. Michael has nearly three decades of experience in European foreign policy: From 2014-19 he was Chief of Staff of Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner Hahn. From 2010-14, he was foreign policy, climate and energy advisor and spokesperson to President Barroso. Between 2004-10 he served as political advisor and speechwriter for External Relations Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. Before joining the Commission in 2000, Michael worked in the Austrian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence. He holds a law degree from the University of Graz and the Free University of Amsterdam, and an MA in political science from the College of Europe in Bruges.

Please note that this is a hybrid event. If you wish to attend virtually, please register for "Virtually" ticket. A Zoom link will be sent to your email after registration prior to the event. 

The recording of the lecture is available below.