European Security in the Shadow of Munich; Back to 1938?

• Date: 04 June
• Time: 17:00 - 18:15
• Location: Amare

Please note: this is a Dutch-language event.

The war in Ukraine has raised an important question: can Europe still count on the United States for its security? Within NATO, the premise for a long time was that countries automatically defend each other in the event of an attack. However, political developments in the US, including those surrounding Donald Trump, are causing doubt about that guarantee.

At the same time, Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine shows that war in Europe is once again a reality. Russia is using not only military force but also cyberattacks, disinformation, and political pressure. Many experts believe that Europe has underestimated this threat for too long. For years, relatively little was invested in defense. As a result, there is now a growing awareness that Europe must take more responsibility for its own security.

The reference to “Munich” refers both to the Munich Agreement of 1938 and to the Munich Security Conferences in 2016, 2025, and 2026. In 2016, Putin stated that the world had entered a new Cold War. Moreover, during the 2025 and 2026 conferences, it became clear that the United States is distancing itself from Europe, leaving Europe increasingly reliant on itself. The discussion regarding Ukraine is therefore ultimately not just about Ukraine itself, but also about the future of Europe and the question of how the continent intends to organize its security in a changing world order.

Professor Frans Osinga (Leiden University) will provide a brief analysis on this topic during the Current Affairs Lecture in The Hague. Following his analysis, there will be time for an extensive discussion and knowledge exchange moderated by Michel Michaloliákos (GeopolitiekNu). The audience is invited to ask questions and share insights on this subject.

Current Affairs Lecture in The Hague: Europe without a safety net: how safe are we still?

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Time: 17:00-18:15 (doors open at 16:45)

Location: Amare, Spuiplein 150, The Hague

Language: Dutch

Admission: Free, no registration required

Prof. Frans Osinga is Professor of War Studies at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs of Leiden University. He specializes in modern warfare, military innovation, deterrence, AI and emerging technologies, and Europe’s strategic position since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He is a highly sought-after expert in the Dutch media.

The Current Affairs Lecture in The Hague is a series of activities by LeidenGlobal, in collaboration with Studium Generale and the Hague Institute Geopolitieknu, and takes place in the Amare cultural center in The Hague. During these ‘lectures’, experts share concise background information on current topics related to specific regions and cultures. Subsequently, we offer ample opportunity for questions from the audience and knowledge exchange.

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