WTC 2026 Geopolitical Update | launch second edition of GATRI
Geopolitical risks are reshaping the global business environment, affecting trade, investment, and supply chain resilience. On 8 June, HCSS joins the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) and the World Trade Center Netherlands Alliance for the 2026 Geopolitical Update, a virtual briefing on the geopolitical, economic, and trade dynamics shaping the year ahead. During the event, HCSS will also launch the second edition of the Geopolitical Annual Trade Risk Index (GATRI), providing data-driven insights into geopolitical stability and international trade.
SmallSat Europe 2026 | Tim Sweijs: Space Lessons from Ukraine, four years in
Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to shape how governments, militaries and industry think about space and defence. Speaking at SmallSat Europe 2026, HCSS Director of Research Dr Tim Sweijs argued that commercial space capabilities have become integral to modern warfare, while also creating new strategic dependencies. As Europe seeks greater technological sovereignty, the lessons from Ukraine underscore the need for resilient and diversified space architectures capable of supporting security, deterrence and resilience.
Column Rob de Wijk | A real case of déjà vu, with a few bright spots
Anyone who still believes in the American security guarantee must be an incurable optimist. Trump is further undermining NATO, but Europe’s security debate is still too often conducted by fearful and risk-averse politicians, slow bureaucracy, and former generals who want to replay the previous war, writes Rob de Wijk in his recent column. While Ukraine shows that speed, drones, and innovation make the difference, Europe continues to favour legacy systems while underinvesting in the start-ups driving the future of defence.
