In a time of growing uncertainty, Europe faces an increasingly complex risk landscape—from natural disasters and climate-related disruptions to cyber threats, hybrid warfare, and geopolitical tensions. Strengthening Europe’s resilience requires a coordinated, multi-level approach that integrates security, economic stability, and societal preparedness.

This seminar brings together local and regional leaders and EU policymakers to discuss how Europe can enhance its preparedness by adopting a "whole-of-society" approach, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring that regional and local authorities are fully engaged into EU resilience frameworks. The discussions will focus on adapting preparedness strategies, reinforcing security as a pillar of economic stability, and enhancing Europe’s ability to respond to multi-dimensional crises.

9:30 – 9:50 WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS

• Moderator: Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of the City of Gdańsk, EPP-CoR Member
• Nikolaos Chardalias, Regional Governor of Attica, 1st Vice-President of the EPP-CoR Group

KEYNOTE SPEECH:

• Henna Virkkunen Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, A Changing Risk Landscape – Strengthening Europe’s Response to Emerging Threats

9:50 – 11:15 BUILDING RESILIENCE AGAINST MULTI-DIMENSIONAL THREATS

Panel 1 SECURITY AND PREPAREDNESS: STRENGTHENING EUROPE’S DEFENCE
Theme: Enhancing civil protection, cybersecurity, and strategic coordination to safeguard Europe’s security and crisis response capacity.

• Lena Düpont MEP, EPP-EP Group
• Alberto Cirio President of Piemonte, EPP-CoR Member
• Pehr Granfalk Member of Solna Municipality, EPP-CoR Member                                                                                               
• Fernando López Miras President of Murcia Region, EPP-CoR Vice-President
• Nicolás Pascual de la Parte MEP, EPP-EP Group

Panel 2 NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS: STRENGTHENING SOCIETAL RESILIENCE
Theme: The impact of natural disasters and economic disruptions on regional security and preparedness.

• Konstantinos Bakoyannis, Municipal Councillor of Athens, EPP-CoR Member
• Mirjam Sterk Regional Minister of the Province of Utrecht, EPP-CoR Member
• Ivan Žagar Mayor of Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenia, EPP-CoR Member
• Esther Herranz García MEP, EPP-EP Group
• Maravillas Abadía Jover MEP, EPP-EP Group

11:15 – 11:30 CLOSING REMARKS AND ADOPTION OF THE DECLARATION

Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group.