The Arctic Security Conference 2025 | Fiona De Cuyper
In September, Strategic Analyst Fiona De Cuyper attended the 2025 Arctic Security Conference in Oslo, Norway. The event brought together a diverse group of global participants, including academics, government and business representatives, Indigenous peoples, and locals from northern communities. HCSS Analyst Fiona De Cuyper reflects on the discussions and shares her insights from the Arctic Security Conference 2025.
De Balie | At the frontline of Russia’s shadow war: In conversation with Estonia’s former president Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace on September 19th. The incursion lasted only twelve minutes, but the message was clear: Russia continues to test NATO’s borders. What does this mean for Europe’s security? On 15 October, HCSS research director Tim Sweijs will join Estonia’s former president Toomas Hendrik Ilves at De Balie in Amsterdam. Together with photographer Claudia Heinermann, they will discuss Europe’s security challenges now that Russia is increasingly testing the borders of Nato-territory, in a panel moderated by Yoeri Albrecht.
The Draghi Report Revisited | Semiconductors
One year after Mario Draghi’s call to action, Europe’s pursuit of technological sovereignty remains a work in progress. In this latest edition of our Draghi Report Series, HCSS strategic analyst Benedetta Girardi examines Europe’s semiconductor ambitions. Despite political momentum and the EU Chips Act, progress remains uneven. What has been achieved — and where does Europe still fall short? Read how the EU’s bid for technological sovereignty is faring in the global chip race.