Kiel Security Conference 2025

Professor Dr Norbert Lammert
Chairman of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.
President of the German Bundestag (retired)

Dr Bastian Giegerich
Director-General and Chief Executive
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)

H.E. Baiba Braže
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Latvia

H.E. Dr Johann Wadephul
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Federal Republic of Germany

 

Moderation:

Dr Bastian Giegerich
Director-General and Chief Executive
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)

More than three years have passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While the European allies have since increased military spending and provided Ukraine with crucial defence assistance, major obstacles persist. Between new operational initiatives, structural reforms and changing mindsets, the panelists will assess both progress and challenges on the path towards a resilient European security architecture. 

 

Speakers:

H.E. Kai Sauer
Ambassador of Finland to Germany

 

Maciej Bukowski LL.M. 
Head of the Energy and Resilience Program
Casimir Pulaski Foundation, Poland

 

Brigadier Jonathan Sear
Defence Attaché
Embassy of the United Kingdom to Germany

 

Moderation:

Dr Christina Krause
Head of Department International Politics and Security Affairs
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

While continuing its aggression against Ukraine, Russia has increased its hybrid attacks across Europe with disinformation, espionage, sabotage and cyberattacks. Transforming into a war economy, Russia is expected to pose a serious threat for an attack on NATO territory before the end of this decade. This panel explores strategies to counter Russia's aggressive expansionism in Ukraine and beyond, and highlights how to build resilience and deter further aggression.

 

Speakers:

General Ingo Gerhartz
Commander NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze MP
Chair of the Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

 

Rear Admiral Johan Norlén
Chief of the Swedish Navy

 

Moderation:

Thomas Birringer
Head of Ukraine Office
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

General Carsten Breuer 
Chief of Defence
Federal Republic of Germany

Enhanced cooperation between Russia, China, North Korea and Iran is increasingly evident around the globe. Both in the Indo-Pacific and in the Baltic Sea, the ‘Axis of Upheaval’ aims to reshape the rules-based international order. From threats to the freedom of navigation to disruptions of undersea infrastructure, the panellists will examine parallels between the two strategic theatres, and discuss coordinated responses to counter the growing challenges.

 

Speakers:

Vice Admiral Jeffrey Anderson
Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet
Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO

 

Air Vice-Marshal Dianne Turton 
Australian Military Representative to NATO and the EU

Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack
Chief of the German Navy

 

Moderation:

Dr Ben Schreer 
Executive Director, IISS-Europe
Director, Defence, Technology and Future Conflict  
The International Insitute for Strategic Studies (IISS)

Dr Gerhard Wahlers
Deputy Secretary General
Head of the Division European and International Cooperation
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung