Youth, Politics, European Leadership 3rd Edition
Panel I | European Security and Strategic Responsibility
Within the framework of YPEL 2026, 3rd Edition | Youth Politics and European Leadership, Panel I brought together diplomats, defense officials, policymakers, and international relations experts to explore Europe’s evolving role in a rapidly changing security environment. The discussion focused on the future of European defense policy, the dynamics of EU–NATO cooperation, the strategic importance of the Black Sea region, and the ongoing debate surrounding European strategic autonomy.
The panel highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing the European Union as it seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities, enhance coordination with NATO, and respond more effectively to regional and global security threats. Special attention was given to the geopolitical context of Eastern Europe and the need for a coherent, united European approach to security and defense.
Featuring:
- Markus Teglas – Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Germany in Romania
- Col. Pierre Pacqueteau – Defense Attaché, Embassy of France in Romania
- Lucien Tallet – 2ème conseiller, Embassy of France in Romania
- Dan Barna – Member of the European Parliament, Vice Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee
Moderated by:
- Victoria Miruna Ghițulete – President and Founder of SSWP
- Alecsia Roberta Munteanu – Vice-President of Internal Affairs SSWP
Panel II | European Enlargement and the Future of the Union
Within YPEL 2026, 3rd Edition | Youth Politics and European Leadership, Panel II brought together diplomats, defense representatives, policymakers, and academic experts to discuss one of the most defining processes for the European Union: enlargement. The conversation explored how the accession paths of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova are reshaping the EU’s political, institutional, and geopolitical landscape.
The panel examined the future direction of EU enlargement policy, the reforms needed to ensure the Union’s functionality and cohesion, and the broader implications of an enlarged EU in an increasingly complex global order. Particular attention was given to the strategic significance of Eastern Partnership countries and the role of institutional adaptation in maintaining the EU’s effectiveness and unity.
Featuring:
- H.E. Ihor Prokopchuk – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Romania
- Andrei Paladuta – Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Romania
- Lt. Col. Sebastian Erbe – Military Attaché, Embassy of Germany in Romania
- Alina Gârbea – Secretary of State, Ministry of Investments and European Projects
- Dan Drăghia – Lecturer, University of Bucharest & Researcher, European Institute of Romania
Moderated by:
- Ștefan Daniel Țuțuianu – General Vice President SSWP
- Antonia Rafaela Mazere – Marketing Director SSWP
Panel III | Competitiveness, Innovation and Democratic Resilience
Panel III brought together experts and participants for an engaging discussion on Europe’s economic competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic global market. The conversation explored the implications of AI governance and technological sovereignty, the role of innovation and startup ecosystems in driving growth, and the challenges posed by disinformation to democratic resilience.
Featuring:
- Ella Ciupercă – Researcher at the National Institute for Research & Development in Informatics
- Alexandru Georgescu – Researcher for the Department for Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection and the Center for Cyber Diplomacy at ICI
- Cristian Ghiţă – Research Director, Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre
- Adrian Bantaş – Lecturer PhD, Master of European Studies, FSPUB
- Vlada Palanciuc – Expert in Cyber Security Policies, Strategies and Cooperation, National Cyber Security Directorate
- Andrei Caramitru – Economist and Public Policy Analyst
Moderated by:
- Gabriel Nicolae Andrei – Vice-President of External Affairs SSWP
- Ana Sabrina Bularca – Research Director SSWP