GAAEC organized the 2nd International Conference at Zappeion Megaro, from 7-9 May 1992. More than 50 foreign dignitaries and representatives from all the political parties attended the Conference.

The subjects that were discussed were:

a. "Challenges and dilemmas facing Greek Foreign Policy in the New Era" speakers were Mr. P. PAPAPOLITI, Mr. G. PAPANDREOU, Mr. A. LENTAKI, Mr. D. NIANIA.
b. "The new security environment, the passage from regional to Global cooperation".
speakers were the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. G. STACOPOYLOS, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania Mr. Th. MELESCANU, the Assistant Director of Intelligence for NATO Mr. G. PARMENTIER, Swedish Deputy Mr. P. GRANSTEED, and Dr. Haralampos TSARDANIDIS.

The Conference continued at the European Centre in Delphi. The discussing subject was "The Role of N.G.Os in NATO". Spokespersons were Professor Mr. Nicolas DE KERCHOVE and Mr. Panagiotis TSAKONAS. Other speakers, included, the representatives of Bulgaria Mr. S. PASSY and Mr. P. GEORGIEV, from Hungary Mr. G. PERIES, deputy and vice-President of the Defence Committee, from Russia Mr. Dim. ROGOZIN and the organizing chairman of the Forum 90 from Portugal Mr. B. GOMES.
The Conference attended the American Ambassador Mr Tapley BENNET and the Chairman of GAAEC Mr Theodosis GEORGIOU.

On the 27-29 May 1991, the first International Conference was organized in Greece, by GAAEC, at the Amphitheatre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The subjects that were discussed were:

a. "The new safety structures in Europe",
b. "Balkans, a new era",
c. "The contribution of education in International Cooperation"
d. "The Mediterranean dimension concerning safety and cooperation in Europe"

In this Conference officials from both the Government and the Greek Parliament participated. The conference was held with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the cooperation of the "Educational Committee" of ATA.

Speakers included, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. A. SAMARAS, the Minister of National Defence , Deputies Mr. I. VARVITSIOTIS, Mr. Th. PAGKALOS, Mr. M. LIAPIS, Mr. B. BEKIRIS and Mr. M. PAPAGIANNAKIS, Scholars, the retired Air Force General Mr. N. KOYRIS, the Chairman of ATA Mr. Bernandino GOMES, the Secretary General of the North-Atlantic Assembly Mr. Peter CORTERIER, the former representative of S.G. of NATO Mr Dominique BARETH, the Italian ambassador to Greece Mr. Paolo Pansa CEDRONIO and other experts.

Whatever is meaningful and beautiful, and whatever brings you happiness, may all be yours this Holiday Season and also throughout the coming New Year. 

"Transatlantic Security: The Challenges Ahead"

On December 10^th and 11^th 2012, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, was held the 21^st Annual International Symposium organized by Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation. This year the Symposium was organized in the light of Chicago NATO Summit under the main theme „ Transatlantic Security: The Challenges Ahead”.       

The Symposium gathered wide range of delegates and experts, NGO’s fields as well as youth movements. The 21^st  Annual Symposium sessions put accent on issues: Transatlantic security today and in future, threats and opportunities in transforming regions, financial crisis and defense, energy security and women, peace and security including the new educational concept of G.A.A.E.C., workshop on NGO’s and youth involvement and development.

Mr. Theodossis Georgiou, President and one of the founders of G.A.A.E.C, opened Symposium and reflected on the main issue of the present-financial crisis;  relation of Greece to NATO; general role of NATO in the world and energy security. Mrs. Despina-Ino Afentouli, the Information Officer for Greece from NATO Headquarters, continued introduction congratulating G.A.A.E.C. for the successful organization of the 21^st Annual International Symposium. In her speech she mentioned strong connection of security and economic crisis.

The session was chaired by the President of G.A.A.E.C,Mr. Theodossis Georgiou who highlighted the importance of 60 years of Greece in NATO and continued by introducing the speakers of this session. Mr. Vassilis Kaskarelis, Ambassador, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece, informed that the new Strategic Concept clarified the strategic role of NATO in the next ten years by placing the focus on the operation of Article 5, Establishing Treaty of Washington. He continued with Greece which is in the midst of crisis and despite it has taken firm decision to utilize the available coefficients of national power in order to make its presence noticeable in the international field and to participate with its allies and international partners, in the transformation of the international system as well to foster relationships with key countries: Russia, China, India, Israel, and other rising powers.

Mrs. Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic,Ambassador, Assistant Secretary General, NATO, started by congratulating to G.A.A.E.C. on successful partnership with NATO Public Division from 1991. Mrs. Grabar Kitarovic reported on the aftermath of the Chicago Summit such as: Afghanistan and partnership, the role of NATO in prevention of terrorism in countries. She put accent on partnership, cooperation and dialogue as the core part of NATO main task, the meaning of enlargement for Security of Euro-Atlantic Cooperation and importance of partnership of NATO and Russia. She told that NATO did not neglect the issue of woman, peace and security proven by implementation of U.N. Resolution 13/25.

In his speech Mr. George Savvaides, Ambassador.ad.hon., has mentioned that the developments of the last 20 years have given the Alliance the springboard for the transformation of a strictly collective defense organization, into a global international security factor for the benefit of its members peace and stability. Furthermore, he focused on the accession of Greece and Turkey in NATO since 1952, and the importance of this enlargement.”It achieves the creation of a single, unbroken defensive line, from the North Cape of Norway to the Balkans, the Eastern Mediterranean and the accesses of the Middle East and North Africa”.

In the Ambassador Forum, that took place on the first day of Symposium, Ambassadors gave speeches on the subject “Perspective on Transatlantic Security”.

Mr. George Savvaides, the first gave speech noticing that Transatlantic security was always the raison d’�?tre of the Alliance as well as “transatlantic security” is not meant for collective defense purposes only, but it permeates the new NATO functions namely crisis management and cooperation with partner nations.

Mr. Daniel Bennett Smith, Ambassador of United States to Greece, started by reflecting on the importance of Europe as American primary partner. He stressed that in today’s hard economical situation it should be invested equal energy in economic relationship as much as in security. After that he turned to NATO as vital for U.S. in Transatlantic security relationship, through which the United States confronts diverse and difficult threats that were dramatically illustrated during the Libyan crisis. Furthermore, he made remarks as well about Chicago NATO Summit where the main subject of discussion was Afghanistan as a top-priority global challenge.

Mr. Jean Loup Kuhn Delforge, Ambassador of France to Greece, in his introduction points out the diversity of the threats within global framework need strong cooperation between Alliance and the EU. Furthermore, he told that the EU and NATO are facing threats such as: terrorism, piracy and cyber-attacks and that energy, international security and economic interests of members are undermined by these actions. Mr. Delforge also stressed that “European Defence” doesn’t mean the defence of Europe but of European interest. To him, it is important that each can act in a complementary and at the same time independent way. Ambassador brought to conclusion final statement: The EU should be capable to deal with partner’s obligations and be effective.

Mr. Saker Malkawi, Ambassador of Jordan to Greece, in his speech referred to great need for international engagement, and that cooperation was always essential factor for the success of a mission. Mr. Malkawi continued by explaining Jordan’s partnership with NATO underlining that it is based on an understanding of the fundamental principles guiding it. He finalized that Individual Partnership Cooperation Program with NATO in 2009 became a full NATO partner.

Guest Speaker, Ms. Augustina Tzvetkova, Deputy Minister of Defence of Bulgaria, started by saying that Bulgarian vision of today is Euro-Atlantic integration of the whole region. She presented that Bulgaria is focused on regional defense cooperation and on South East Defense Ministerial (SEMD) as well as on establishment of a NATO Crisis Management for Disaster Response Centre of Excellence. In her speech Ms. Tzvetkova alleged that Bulgaria believes that the implementation of the Chicago agenda in particular “ Smart Defence” and “Connected Forces Initiative” will deliver more cooperation amongst NATO allies and partners.

 Women, Peace and Security

During the panel “Women, Peace and Security” speaker  Ms. Augustina Tzvetkova,  Deputy Minister of Defence, Bulgaria, shares experience of running NATO’ project “Female Leadership in Defence and Security”, speaker emphasises the importance of particular topic not as a gender issue, but as a matter of capability building.  Initially the idea of project was based on the willingness to find and share ideas on how women can be involved in security and defence, but lately it concentrate more on the role of the strategic leadership in capabilities building process and the diversity of human resources in the area of security and defence. Project is approved as a tier-one project in the framework of NATO Smart Defence projects. Ms. Katerina Papakosta, M.P.N.D., President, Parliamentary Committee for Equality and Human Rights, Ministry of Interior of Greece, mentioned that our country as a member of the EU and NATO must do what is necessary to support implementation of the resolutions 1325 and 1820 of the UN Security Council for women, peace and security. Furthermore, she underlined that combating violence against women is a serious issue as it involves an entire social trend. Ms. Zetta Makri, Secretary General forEquality, Ministry of Interior of Greece, stated that encouraging women to have an active role in the highest offices of Peace and Security is very important. Their participation in decision-making is crucial. She continued by saying that women need the protection of legal frameworks in conflict or in peace. Prof. Dr. Zehra Odyakmaz, Dean of Faculty of Law in Mevlâna University, Turkey, reported that the number of terrorist activities is increasing and that the most important reason for this is the conflict between states in defining what means the “terror” and “terrorist”, as well that there is not enough understanding for this issue in countries that are not exposed to this problem. Ms. Suzan Jahollari,Professor, Defence Academy, Albania, introduced Gender Equality Law in Society 2008, that is based on the principle of equality and non discrimination as well as National Strategy for gender equality and domestic balance.Mr. Michael Katsaris, Colonel, Hellenic Air Forces, Ministry of Defense, Greece, referred to the UN resolution 1325 and also to the resolution 1889, which reinforces the precedent in the sector of implementation and monitoring. Finally, he informed us that great efforts have been made, in order to increase women's participation in important areas such as the military.

The first day of Symposium ended with workshop chaired by Dr. Aliki Mitsakos.  Mr. Giuseppe Belardetti,Programs Director, Designated Secretary General, Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA), emphasize that ATA tries to relaunch the Transatlantic Partnership in the civil society through: seminars and workshops. He made a few remarks about gender equality as well. Ms. Kristin Durant, President, Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA), said that in all discussions about gender equality and women in security should be involved more men, and Ms.Antonia Colibasanu, Ass.Lecturer, The Bucharest University of Economics, Romania ended workshop by telling that we need wider and more complementary communication in this field.

Ms. Despina Ino-Afentouli opened the second day of the Symposium by clarifying the importance of the Symposium and the contribution of G.A.A.E.C. of showing the Euroatlantic agenda in Greece. She concluded that NATO in last 60 years of the Greek membership in NATO helped a lot in the defense of Greece.

NATO and EU – Strategic Partners or Competitors

The session NATO and EU – Strategic Partners or Competitors was chaired by Mr.MichailTsinisizelis. Guest speaker of the session, NATO and EU- Strategic partners and Competitors, Former Austrian Federal Minister, President of PolAk and AIES, Dr. Werner  Fasslabend raised the issue of future Global Security Challenges, which will shape the future security environment. Dr. Fasslabend highlights three main lines for the future challenges including conflicts, instability and crisis. The first line surrounds area from the Balkans to Caucasus and to the Central Asia, the second line is set from the Atlantic Ocean to the Northern Africa and to the Central Asia, which is well known because of the movements of the Arab spring, but the third line marks the area from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea and to the Indian Ocean. Guest Speaker also reflects the issue of Nuclear Sector, North Korea, Iran and underestimated threat Pakistan, moreover highlighting the central question for future global security - great power interests which cross in the Eastern Asia Area, in terms of Chinas’ Global Perspectives as rising power. Dr. Fasslabend emphasizes the role of challenges which will involve both the European Union and NATO, from American point of view - transferring the canter of interests which includes shift of political, economic and military capabilities to the Pacific Region. On the contrary, from the EU point of view- minimizing the security dependency on Americans and their capabilities and taking control over their own security environment which includes not only defining security interests, but also solving them. In the case of NATO and EU as Strategic partners and Competitors guest speaker draw attention to the wall between EU and NATO and to the necessity to overcome divergence between both organizations. 

The session “Energy security: The challenges for International organizations and the private sector” was chaired by  Mr. Andreas Andrianopoulos,Former Minister, Director, The Institute of Diplomacy and Global Affairs, DEREE - the American College of Greece. Mr. Andrianopoulos stated that the energy security concerns us all and that it depends on energy producer countries, transfer and customer countries, geostrategic and political conditions of them as well as on their demand for energy and energy reserves.Mr. Michael Ruhle, Head, Energy Security Section, Emerging Security Challenges Division, NATO HQ, said that NATO with its own capabilities can contribute a lot to Energy Security issue because NATO brings into the “game” powerful USA, Canada and European countries that are either energy producer or energy transferring countries. Restrictions that NATO can face are not to militarize energy security, but should be driven from market. He continued that the roles should not duplicate, for example with International Energy Agency and NATO should not interfere with national economical policies. Dr.Filis started his speech by saying that Energy is a matter of Market and since political factors are involved it is creating unstable relations between states. The EU depends heavily on Russia which is the main supplier but they are interdependent, because “Europe buys expensive and pays on time”. A serious danger for the EU is that EU didn’t secure other resources than Russian. On the other hand, China and India are becoming “thirsty markets”. Finally, he marked that the energy sector is also a military sector and this concerns the NATO Allies regarding the security of supply.

The Ambassadors Forum B“Perspectives on Transatlantic Security”

Mr. Thanos Dokos,Director General, ELIAMEP, as a chair person opened Ambassador Forum B by introducing audience with the main theme and speakers.

 Mr. Arye Mekel, Ambassador of Israel to Greece, dedicated his speech to explain the position of the State of Israel in the Middle East. He emphasized that primary goal of Israel is to achieve peace with neighbors. The Peace agreement has been signed with Jordan and Egypt and not with Lebanon and Syria. The aim of the State of Israel is to achieve peace with Palestinian Authority. He stated his hope that Arab Spring will establish democracy in Arab world. Ambassador made few remarks on energy issue as well. He said that Israel lack in oil and natural resources but that lately it was discovered a large quantity of natural gas. At the end of speech he turned to Israel-Greek relation noticing that there has been unprecedented improvement in Greek-Israel relations during the last two and half years.

 Mr. Kerim Uras, Ambassador of Turkey to Greece, reflected to this year as a very important for Turkey and Greece as an Anniversary of 60 years membership to the NATO. He accented that despite of differences between these two countries, NATO has helped to come together for common causes within Alliance. He reported about the main issues of today’s  world such as: Libya, the Middle East situation, Iran and Syria. He said that lasting peace in the Middle East would have a positive global effect and has majority support in Turkey. He affirmed in his speech that utmost importance is to make sure that Iran’s nuclear program is a peaceful one and to stay this way. Furthermore, he said that reckless situation in Syria is a big problem for Turkey, as their neighbors they suffer great threat to security and stability in the region. In further speech Ambassador emphasized importance of NATO for security and defense issue. He mentioned as well harsh economic situation that has far-reaching implications on defense capacity, as well as that NATO’s partnership is an essential ingredient for NATO’s continuation of the enlargement that is of huge importance as stabilizing factor.

Mr. David Landsman, Ambassador of United Kingdom to Greece, quoted in his speech the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. William Hague, by saying that NATO is more necessary than ever, and that NATO should work closely with non NATO partners to help secure common goals. He said that NATO remains the central pillar of UK defense policy. In addition, Mr. Landsman concluded that NATO has to stay open to enlargement, even though NATO is not aspiring to become a world security organization. The second part of speech Ambassador devoted to position of United Kingdom toward NATO and EU.  He asserted that Britain will stay one of the most active participants in the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy. He highlighted that even though Britain is not part of Eurozone it does not mean that Britain is not serious about EU membership. From his point of view, EU cannot be effective if it tries to be uniformed and on contrary it needs flexibility of a network. He made comments on current economic crisis and what has to be done in order to rationalize all expenses including defense as well.

Special Session

The session, was chaired by the President of G.A.A.E.C, Mr. Theodossis Georgiou, who stressed the importance of financial crisis issue and how that affects our Defence.

Mikhail Kostarakos,General, Chief of General Staff, HNDGS,Greece, based speech on the impact of financial crisis on Defense Planning and demonstrated its contribution of "Smart Defense" to mitigate those impacts. “Governments, in order to balance their budgets, cut defense spendings. He marked that leaders of NATO member states agreed to embrace this initiative to ensure that the Alliance can embody its vision: NATO Forces 2020. The "Smart Defense" should be seen as an opportunity to do more together rather than as an excuse to do less individual. He concluded by saying that as for our country, it is recognized that we need armed forces with multiple capabilities ready to face the threats and security challenges and to provide to the government possibility to exercise the appropriate national foreign policy.

In the last session of the Symposium Dr. Aliki Mitsakos introduced to the students the new educational platform of G.A.A.E.C. “The International Center for Leading Studies” (www.ticls.org ). Mr. Belardetti and Ms. Durant were talking about importance of non-governmental organizations and the possibility of young people to get involved.

The Dates for 2014's educational programs have been announced.

The International Academy for Advanced Studies, successor of the distinguished IIPES, was held in July 2013, 19^th to the 31^st, at the campus of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Crete.

The 1^st Chania Med – Forum was held from July 25^th till July 28^th, 2013 under the auspices of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, of National Defence and the Ministry of Tourism of the Hellenic Republic, at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania.

The 59th annual General Assembly of the Atlantic Treaty Association and the 18th General Assembly of the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association  were held in Brussels, from December 8th to 11th, 2013. 

The Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) hosted an international conference on “NATO Post 2014” at the World Customs Organization.

The Delegates who represented Greece were: Mr. Theodossis Georgiou, Head of Delegation, President of GAAEC and Co-founder of TICLS, Dr. Aliki Mitsakos, Dean and Co-Founder of TICLS, and Ms. Maria Karaklioumi, Vice-Governor of region of Attica, Alumni of our Programs and a candidate for the post of the Secretary General of Atlantic Treaty Association.

  The Greek Youth representatives were: Mr. Akis Georgiou, Secretary General of YATA Greece and Programs Director of TICLS, Ms. Lelde Mencendorfa, Member and Contact Person of YATA Greece, and Deputy Director of TICLS, Ms. Maria Katsiou, Deputy Secretary General of YATA Greece, Programs Assistant & TIAAS ‘13 Alumni, and Ms. Maria Stamatopoulou member of YATA Greece and TIAAS’13 Alumni.

 During the conference more than 250 ATA experts and delegates from across 36 countries of the Euro Atlantic region participated, along with in Brussels based policy makers, government officials, military officers, diplomatic representatives, journalists and young professionals.

 The “NATO Post 2014” conference was successfully implemented in Brussels and it was an enriching and exclusive opportunity for both practitioners and government representatives across the Atlantic to define the future of NATO after 2014.

 The Greek candidate for the post of the Secretary General of ATA, Ms. Maria Karaklioumi, Vice-Governor of region of Attika, succeeded during the first round of the elections to gain the support of the majority of the ATA members. Besides Ms. Karaklioumi, for the same post were running representatives from Belgium and Poland.  Although, for various procedural reasons, the second round of the elections will be held in 6 months.

 The election procedure for the ATA and the youths (YATA) was held on Monday, December 9^th.

The “NATO Post 2014” conference in details.

Tuesday, December 10th, 2013:

Opening Ceremony < p> Welcome Address by:

Hon. Dr. Karl A. LAMERS - President of the Atlantic Treaty Association and Amb. Douglas E. LUTE - United States Ambassador to NATO

Panel 1: < p> NATO and EU Cooperation

Chaired by Mr. Giles MERRITT - Director of Security and Defence Agenda who made a small introduction on the following discussion by saying that:

The financial strain on European countries has resulted in major cutbacks mostly in the defense sector, limiting NATO’s resources and putting a strain on national defense expenditures. With limited financial resources alongside a rapidly changing threat environment, nations have been cooperating on Smart Defense strategies. The EU has made an attempt to join forces in the European Defense Agency with the ambition of being pragmatic, cost efficient and results-oriented. After 15 years of mission fatigue, the challenge for NATO - EU cooperation in Smart Defense is to balance mutual responsibility in a cost-effective partnership.

The speakers were:

Mr. Graham MUIR - Head of Policy and Planning Unit, European Defence Agency (EDA), who said that working critically with NATO is very important to success and also he pointed out that NATO has many plans and projects for the future but what they really need is action.  

Dr. Julian LINDLEY-FRENCH - Member of the U.S. Atlantic Council’s Strategic Advisers Group who also mentioned that the cooperation between NATO and EU is very important but action is the key.

Mr. Frederic VAN KERREBROECK - Policy Adviser to the Belgian Minister of Defense who mentioned that NATO should be focused in strategic economy and he highlighted the: European Strategy of 2003. 

Key Note Remarks from a Special Panel for the Future of NATO

Started by Mr. Giuseppe BELARDETTI - Secretary General of The Atlantic Treaty Association who said a few words about this subject:

The international challenges and threats we face today call for an increase in NATO's ability to preemptively address emerging threats to NATO Allies and Partners. By recognizing threats ranging from terrorism and nuclear proliferation to piracy, cyber-attacks and the disruption of energy supplies, the next Secretary General will have to further develop NATO's response capabilities, engage new partners and strengthen new alliances in order to guarantee international security in the rapidly changing environment of the 21st century. This panel will feature the views and strategies of one of the two front running candidates for the post of Secretary General of NATO for 2014.

Then he presented H. E. Mr. Pieter DE CREM, Minister of Defense of Belgium who pointed out that NATO keeps each promise to the Member-States for Peace Stability and Security.

“NATO must be ready to intervene like they did in Libya” he said. Furthermore, Asia Pacific Region is another issue that we should pay attention.

At the end of his speech he highlighted that: “We all have the same goal for stable and safe democratic context” and he spoke about three important issues: Smart Defense, Cyber Defense and NATO partnerships which will be increasingly important in the future.

Afghanistan Post 2014: Lessons Learned and Taking Stock

Chaired by Mrs. Katarina DRLJA - Correspondent Al Jazeera Balkans who started by saying that:

With combat troops scheduled to leave Afghanistan at the end of 2014, what are lessons learned by Allied Forces on interoperability, counterinsurgency and intelligence sharing? After a 12 year period, the Alliance has to take stock of the lessons learned and incorporate them into existing policies, manuals and doctrines for future political and military leaders. Based on current threat assessments, what is the future prospect for joint missions and cooperation amongst Allies and partners?

Speakers:

Mr. Nicholas WILLIAMS - Head of Section of Operations Division at NATO spoke about Afghanistan and answered to the question “Why NATO was involved?” by saying that it sustains a multinational military cooperation.

Then Mr. Rinaldo VERI - President of the Italian Center for Higher Defense Studies and Former Maritime Commander of Operation Unified Protector, he spoke about the crisis in Libya and the successful operation of NATO.

Moreover, he spoke about the OUP and the potential impact on future – maritime operations and mentioned that the mission was to reduce the flow of army related material to Libya.

Dr. Jeffrey A. LARSEN - Director of Research Division, NATO Defense College, referred to NATO – Afghanistan, ISAF and pointed out that these were very important experiences for NATO.

H.E. Mr. Alexander GRUSHKO - Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to NATO, who reflected to the NATO-Russia Council (NRC), which was established in 2002 and they work together as equal partners. “The NRC provides a framework for consultation on current security issues and practical cooperation in a wide range of areas of common interest. Its agenda builds on the basis for bilateral cooperation that was set out in the 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act, which provided the formal basis for relations”. 

H.E. Dr. Tanja MISCEVIC - Chief Negotiator for the accession of the Republic of Serbia to the European Union, she pointed out how important is the European integration and she referred on the April agreement with Serbia that reinforces the Kosovo authorities’ responsibility to bring forward reforms needed on the path of European integration.

Amb. Veronika WAND-DANIELSSON - Swedish Ambassador to NATO, she also said a few words about Afghanistan and mentioned that there is a huge improvement in Kabul the last few years.

Finally she talked about the relations between NATO and Sweden and pointed out that “ It was during NATO’s Operation Unified Protector in Libya that Sweden reached a new level of partnership, which has no parallels among partner states”.

Wednesday, December 11th, 2013

The Transatlantic Bond: The Relationship Beyond Defense Capabilities

Chaired by Dr. Tomas SEDLACEK (Moderator) - Member of a Group Narrative of Europe Commissioned By Manuel Barroso, Former Member of National Economic Council starting by saying that:

In 1956, the Report of the Committee of Three on ‘Non Military Cooperation in NATO’ stated that “North Atlantic political and economic cooperation, let alone unity, will not be brought about in a day or by a declaration, but by creating over the years and through a whole series of national acts and policies, the habits and traditions and precedents for such cooperation and unity.” Where does the cooperation stand, how will the transatlantic bond evolve in the future and what are the priorities beyond defense capabilities?

Section I - Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Ms. Elena BRYAN, Senior Trade Representative of the US Mission to the EU said that Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, is an agreement with good options. “There will be investments of US in the EU which means an enormous economic growth”.

H.E. Amb. Selim YENEL - Turkish Ambassador to the EU, spoke about the “Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership” (TTIP) and said that it is a very good agreement but we will see in the future how exactly we will be able to participate.

Mr. Lutz GUELLMER, Deputy Head of the Unit for Information, Communication and Civil Society for the Directorate for Trade at the European Commission, spoke about the Transatlantic Trade and Investment and the role of the EU Commission in Trade, and he ended by saying that “The benefits of this agreement will be the economic growth, the low Tariffs in the Transatlantic Trade and also the huge economic opportunities for both sides through this agreement”. 

Section II - Enhancing the Transatlantic Bond

Keynote Address:

Amb. Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC - Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, she clarified that: “NATO is not a political military organization anymore; it’s more of an organization of values that it stands for – it is based on understanding, experience that has grown over the years”.

Speakers:

Prof. Dr. Sven BISCOP - Director Europe in the World, EGMONT Institute, who mentioned that NATO is facing many problems, it can’t solve natures problems or planets problems but it is a Service Provider.

Mr. Jan HAVRANEK - Political Director, Minister of Defense, Czech Republic

Dr. Ian LESSER - Executive Director of the Transatlantic Center and Senior Director of the Foreign and Security Policy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, asked if there is an actual transatlantic gap?

Finally, he ended by saying that the US has at the same level of importance the Atlantic and the Asia Pacific Region and for that reason there is a balance.

The closing remarks were given by Hon. Mr. Hugh BAYLEY - President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Hon. Dr. Karl A. LAMERS - President of the Atlantic Treaty Association

This summer University of the Aegean in cooperation with GAAEC organized for the first time International Summer School „Mediterranean Security: Old Conflicts & New Challenges” which occurred from July 30^th till August 6^thin Rhodes island, Greece.

The Summer School brought together 24 students from 12 countries so students got an opportunity not only to get a wider knowledge on main subjects during lessons but to become acquainted with other cultures as well and to see the same problemsfrom different perspectives in formal and non-formal atmosphere. Five alumni of GAAEC educational programs were present in this Summer School.

During the one week students attended a very intensive course which was provided by 12 lecturers coming from different universities in Greece, United Kingdom, Turkey, Cyprus and United States. As topical subjects in the Program were included interstate and intrastate conflicts, the role of international institutions, peace making, nuclear weapon notability, terrorism, Arab Spring and its implications for regional security and stability, Greek – Turkish conflict in past, present and future, NATO and EU role. The program was made with the aim to involve students in an active way in the study process, so every day students were presenting their presentations about daily subjects and presentations were followed by discussions between professors and all students. In this way was ensured the possibility to point out the essential part of the subject, possible solutions and problem’s outcomes in future.

The videoconference with Mr. J.Shea, Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges and Ms.Despina Ino Afentouli, Liaison Officer of Greece, NATO was provided as well. The main subject was Post – Chicago Summit Security Challenges for NATO.

The program was closed by commencement ceremony and educational and entertaining excursion to Lindos city where students got an opportunity to see a little part of the rich history of Greece.

In one week students experienced fruitful time in international environment,got erudition in an actual subjects in nowadays, became closer with Greek culture and the last but not the least, got new friends.

Article edited by Lelde Mencendorfa,

Alumna of MedSec

Annual International Institute for Political and Economic studies 2012 organized in cooperation with The Fund for American Studies and Georgetown University has successfully completed. This year the 17th edition of IIPES brought together 54 students from 25 countries - the Balkans, Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, Eastern Europe and the U.S. to enjoy fruitful time in international environment, to get new knowledge and to learn from each other. As every year IIPES occurred in Chania, Crete.

During two weeks students got a unique opportunity to attend classes held by high level professors as Dr. Antony Sullivan, Dr. Michael Collins, Dr. Faten Ghosn, Dr. Joshua Mitchell and Dr. Petros Vamvakas. The academic program consisted of philosophy, history, conflict resolution and political economy components. Every lesson allowed making a discussion between professors and students, in this way it was possible to analyze each question separately, to exchange opinions between students and to get a deeper view of the problem. Furthermore professors offered their free time for students to have individual and collective discussions in non-formal atmosphere not only about subjects included in academic program but about other actual issues as well. The discussion part showed how many opinions we have and in how many different ways we can see the same problem. This year students took a very active part in discussions and it helped not only to understand the issue better but discussions bounded students with each other as well.

To make study process more interesting, thanks to Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation Chairman Mr. Theodossis Georgiou, students got an unique opportunity to visit NATO Missile Firing Installation Base (Namfi) in Chania where Ms. Allison Hart, Public Diplomacy Officer for the US and Canada at NATO, gave a speech about NATO in the 21st Century. Mr. Theodossis Georgiou and General Ippokratis Daskalakis gave a speech to students as well and involved them in debates about NATO role and aims.

During this institute students got an amazing opportunity to get a wider scope about Greek culture and other cultures. The Culture Presentation showed how different cultures we have around us and at the same time how connected with each other we are. Students showed how proud they are about their countries and cultures and shared historical facts, traditional dances and national costumes, introduced others with traditional food and drinks as well.

After two week intensive formal and non-formal learning course and successful exam passing students were awarded with certificates in IIPES ‘12 Closing Ceremony. The Closing Ceremony was opened with speech presented by Mr. Theodossis Georgiou, Chairman of GAAEC. In Closing Ceremony Mr. Dusan Batakovic, Ambassador of Serbia to France, with his appearance honored IIPES organizers and students and gave an inspirational speech. This year Mr. Batakovic celebrated his 10^th anniversary as being a guest speaker in IIPES. Some of the students wanted to share their opinion and experience during these two weeks in Chania and said thankful and heartwarming words to all organizers. Dr. Aliki Mitsakos, the Head of the Hellenic unit of Women in International Security, closed the ceremony.

Formal and non-formal learning during these days was equally important of this educational program, as well as social interaction between students.

Maybe this year MAICh doors are closed but we are full of resolution to keep our tradition and to open the door for new students next year. We would like to thank TFAS Team for cooperation, MAICh Staff for attentive housing and especially to Mr.George Baourakis, Director General MAICh, GAAEC Staff for invaluable involvement and to all students who made things to happen.

Sponsor for transportation