Château Béla Central European Strategic Forum 2019

6-8 December 2019

A DISTINCTLY CENTRAL EUROPEAN FORUM

The Château Béla Central European Strategic Forum is a three-day closed convening that brings together policymakers and thought leaders from Europe and the United States to discuss the foreign, economic and security policy challenges impacting the region. Discussions will focus on identifying challenges of the future as we need to understand the complex of disruptions we are facing and then proactively get ahead of them by utilizing their positive aspects. To encourage frank and dynamic talks, each year only a limited number of representatives are invited to participate. The setting is kept intimate and informal with the Chatham House Rule applying for the entire duration. Our guests are expected to offer policy options and solutions on the most pressing issues affecting Central Europe and broader international community.

MORE THAN A DECADE OF DISCUSSION

Last year, GLOBSEC was proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Château Béla Central European Strategic Forum. During this time, it has consistently attracted leading political figures, experts from influential public and private sector organisations and renowned academics to discuss Europe’s present and future. Previous participants include Gen. (Ret.) John Allen, Anne Applebaum, Sec. Michael Chertoff, Philippe Étienne, Rand Waltzman, Martina Larkin, Laura Rosenberger, Maroš Šefčovič, Radek Sikorski, Amb. Alexander Vershbow, Damon Wilson, Amb. Kurt Volker and many others.

Château Béla 2019 followed up on the Forum’s reputation for facilitating fruitful and thought-provoking discussions. Traditional paradigms associated with international politics are experiencing serious challenges to their legitimacy – from multilateralism through hard security to integration and cooperation. After a prolonged period of economic prosperity, Europe will seek to identify the consequences of the impending slowdown as well as festering populist tendencies to determine responses to prevent their intensification. The long-term viability of the transatlantic partnership is being challenged by looming trade wars and a litany of diverging security interests. As China increases its global clout, Central Europe concerns the prospect of Chinese influence over the region and its limited ability to push back. Through multi-stakeholder and structured dialogue, Château Béla 2019 discussed these challenges.

To reflect on key findings, conclusions and observations, we publish the Takeaways from Château Béla 2019 which can be read and downloaded here

For press enquiries please contact Henrieta Kunová (Acting Director | Communications and Marketing) tel. +421 904 869 303 email: [email protected].