From the Ukrainian side, it was emphasized that the nature of the war Ukraine faces is not simply one of territorial defense, but a struggle to protect the right of its people to choose their own path. Even as discussions toward peace proceed, it was underscored that there exist “non-negotiable principles,” namely sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security guarantees, and a strong warning was issued that an inadequate peace settlement could invite renewed aggression in the future. It was also noted that Ukraine is not only a recipient of assistance, but a country capable of contributing to the security of Europe as a whole through its combat experience and defense industry.

Speakers from Poland, Finland, Sweden, and Germany reported that Russia’s invasion has fundamentally altered their respective threat perceptions, prompting changes in defense policy, relations with NATO, levels of defense investment, and efforts to strengthen whole-of-society resilience. In particular, it was shared that in the Nordic and Central and Eastern European countries, Russia is regarded as a long-term security threat, and that deterrence is being rebuilt through substantial increases in defense spending as well as strengthened NATO membership and engagement. Responses to non-military means such as hybrid attacks, cyberattacks, and threats to critical infrastructure were also identified as important challenges for European security.

During the panel discussion, views were exchanged regarding the conditions for ending the war and the feasibility of a peace process. The importance of a sustainable and just peace, rather than a short-term compromise, was reaffirmed. While concerns were expressed about possible weakening of European unity, there was an overall shared assessment that Europe is undergoing a “strategic awakening” and is seeking to assume greater agency and responsibility in the field of security.

Furthermore, it was repeatedly emphasized throughout the discussion that the war in Ukraine is not an issue confined to Europe, but is inseparable from the security of the broader international community, including the Indo-Pacific region. Under the recognition that “today’s Ukraine could become tomorrow’s East Asia,” the need for Japan and European countries to deepen cooperation in order to uphold a rules-based international order was reaffirmed.

In sum, the symposium provided an opportunity to examine from multiple perspectives the transformation of European security brought to light by the war in Ukraine, and to clarify the significance of its experiences and lessons for the international order and for Japanese diplomacy.

In addition to numerous representatives from European embassies and other diplomatic missions in Tokyo, the symposium was attended by Zigmārs Zilgalvis, Ambassador of Latvia to Japan; Martin Klučar, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Japan; Aurelijus Zykas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Japan; and Yannis Michaelides, Ambassador of Cyprus to Japan.

Following the conclusion of the symposium, a cocktail reception was held with the participation of the speakers and representatives of the organizing and co-hosting institutions. After a toast delivered by OGATA Takeju, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, participants further deepened their exchanges.

Prepared by the Secretariat