Europe's security architecture
Consular Corps' annual reception
A topic that is also of particular importance for other countries and continents that work with the European Union was taken up at the OOWF Bavaria's New Year's reception for the consular corps at the Literaturhaus München and led to an informative exchange with the Lithuanian Consul General and the Vice President of the European Parliamentary Society. An important event that highlighted the geopolitical challenges facing Europe from a Baltic perspective. The OstWestWirtschaftsForum Bayern e.V. (OWWF) has been promoting economic and political exchange with our eastern neighbours for years.
Prof. Dr. Inese Vaidere MEP provided valuable food for thought based on a description of her family's experiences at the end of World War 2 and the ‘liberation’ of Latvia and her personal experiences during Latvia's affiliation with the Soviet Union, with astute analysis of the European security situation and Russia's role in direct and hybrid warfare. She emphasised the importance of the European Union. The lasting strengthening of European unity to ward off the acute threat posed by Russia is more important than ever. Above all, this includes strengthening Europe's military capabilities. Combating disinformation is also more relevant than ever today.
A big thank you also goes to Eberhard Sinner, Member of the Bavarian Landtag, former Minister of State and President of the OstWestWirtschaftsForum Bayern e.V., for his excellent moderation of the event. His long-standing experience in Bavarian and European politics contributed significantly to the quality of the discussion. Mr Sinner explained that the sanctions against Russia are definitely having an effect – very high interest rates for central bank loans (over 20%) and growing inflation (currently over 11%). It is time to abandon naive ideas about Russia.
Among the participants (in alphabetical order): Honorary Consul Max Aschenbrenner, Honorary Consul General Dr Michael Brauch, Dr Udo Bux, Director General Dr Ian-Tsing Dieu, Alex Dorow MdL, Consul General Süalp Erdogan, Consul General Donatas Kuslys, Honorary Consul Prof. Ursula Männle, Consul General Dr Denis Rogov, former Ambassador Prof. Dr. Gerhard Sabathil, Embassy Counsellor Rea Tsitsani, retired Consul General Yurij Yarmilko.
A valuable dialogue: especially in these challenging times, a strong, united Europe is of essential importance!
The event provided deep insights and discussions on European security, highlighting the main geopolitical challenges and the Baltic experience in dealing with Russia.
