2nd Hague-Brussels Forum

In cooperation with the Global Governance Institute (GGI), Brussels and in combination with the launch of the Palgrave Handbook on Cyberdiplomacy

The 2nd Hague-Brussels Forum took place on 18 November 2025 at the premises of the Global Governance Institute (GGI) in Brussels. It brought together policy-makers, academics and think tankers from The Hague, Brussels and beyond to delve more deeply into the topics of European approaches to Cyberdiplomacy. The Hague-Brussels forum also joined forces with the Co-editors of the newly launched Palgrave Handbook on Cyberdiplomacy.

The insights from the handbook and co-editors served as the scholarly and evidence-based framework and background for the discussion and exchange between policy-makers and the wider audience on key challenges and solutions related to cyberrisks and cyberdiplomacy.

The 2nd Hague Brussels Forum was opened by Professor Joachim Koops, Jean Monnet Chair on the European Union’s role in Security and Global Affairs (EURISGA). Thereafter, Professor George Christou (University of Warwick) and Professor Wilhelm Vosse (International Christian University, Tokyo – who also served as EURISGA Teaching Fellow in 2024) provided core insights from the current state of European, national and international research on cyberdiplomacy. Thereafter, Andrea Calderaro, Director of Cyber Diplomacy EU CyberDirect at the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) in Paris analysed the evolution of the EU’s approaches to cyberdiplomacy. Manon Le Blanc, Coordinator for Cyber Issues and Deputy Head of the Hybrid Threats and Cyber Division at the European External Action Service (EEAS) provided her latest insights from within the European External Action Service’s policies and initiatives in the field of cyberdiplomacy.

Thereafter, Professor Joachim Koops moderated a lively Q&A session with the attendees, followed by a light reception, where participants could deepen their insights in a more informal setting.

Programme

16.30 – 16.35 Welcome and Introduction
Professor Joachim A. Koops, Jean Monnet Chair on the European Union’s role in Security and Global Affairs (EURISGA) and Professor of Security Studies, Institute of Security and Global Affairs, University of Leiden

16.35 – 16.50 European and Global Approaches to Cyberdiplomacy: Insights from current research
Professor George Christou, Professor of European Politics and Security, University of Warwick and Co-editor of the Palgrave Handbook on Cyberdiplomacy
Professor Wilhelm Vosse, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo and Co-editor of the Palgrave Handbook on Cyberdiplomacy

16.50 – 17.00 The EU’s Evolution as a Cyberdiplomatic Actor
Dr. Andrea Calderaro, Director Cyber Diplomacy EU CyberDirect, EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), Paris

17.00 – 17.20 European approaches to Cyberdiplomacy: Threats, Challenges and Opportunities
Manon Le Blanc, Coordinator for Cyber Issues and Deputy Head of the Hybrid Threats and Cyber Division at the European External Action Service (EEAS)

17.20 – 17.50 Discussion

17.50 – 18.00 Closing Remarks and Avenues for Research and Policies
Prof. Joachim Koops

18.00 – 19.30 Reception