Redefining European Security
The Challenges for NATO and EU
The 2025 edition of the Athens Security Forum convenes at a pivotal moment for the Euro-Atlantic security architecture, with a particular focus on the Eastern Mediterranean’s Southern Flank. Situated at the crossroads of escalating tensions in the Middle East and the enduring conflict in Ukraine, the region is undergoing a profound recalibration of strategic priorities, alliances, and threat perceptions. This year’s forum explores how regional actors—state and non-state alike—are repositioning themselves within a restructured geopolitical landscape. The agenda foregrounds questions of strategic posture, interdependence, and identity politics, examining how shifting power dynamics and normative frameworks are reshaping the Southern Flank’s security landscape. To navigate these complexities, the forum brings together a high-trust cohort of thought leaders from Europe, the United States, India, and the Middle East. Participants include senior diplomats, security analysts, area studies scholars, and political decision-makers, fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue that bridges policy, intelligence, and academic insight.
The Forum is an annual event promoting dialogue on the above issues organized by the Institute of International Relations (IDIS) as well as IDIS China Program and under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece. The institutional partners of the 2025 edition are NATO, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (Germany), Hanns Seidel Stiftung (Germany), Wilfried Martens Center (Brussels), Harriman Institute-Columbia University (U.S.A.), RUSI (U.K.) and PRIO (Norway).
Join us to engage with our distinguished speakers and take part in a unique event to discuss all issues affecting European security and stability.