#2024 DEFENSE SUMMIT

#2024 DEFENSE
SUMMIT

LIVE Event in hybrid format
broadcast on Facebook
and newsweek.ro
November 18, 2024 at 01:00 PM,
Pullman Hotel, Bucharest

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

Newsweek România organizes Defense Summit 2024 on November 18, in Bucharest. The event is dedicated to topics related to security and national defense challenges and takes place in the context of tense regional dynamics.

The summit brings together high-ranking officials, military experts, security analysts and defense industry representatives to discuss Romania’s strategic position on the global stage and its role as a pillar of stability on NATO’s Eastern flank.

The Summit is structured in four panel sessions, each addressing critical strategic areas for Romania and its NATO allies.

Discussions will focus on how Romania is adjusting its defense strategy in the face of new geopolitical realities, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine, and will explore how partnerships with NATO and the EU can support national resilience. Invited military leaders and experts will address our country’s role on NATO’s Eastern flank, the need to

strengthen interoperability with allies, and the integration of emerging technologies into the defense infrastructure.

In addition to the debates on Black Sea security and the importance of modernizing the fleet and naval forces, solutions for the transformation and modernization of Romania’s land and air forces will be explored.

Particular emphasis will also be placed on expanding cyber defense through public-private cooperation, as well as strengthening air capabilities in a world marked by asymmetric risks and unconventional threats.

Through these interactive sessions, the Newsweek Defense Summit 2024 aims to provide participants not only with an in-depth overview of the security context in Eastern Europe, but also with pragmatic solutions to strengthen Romania’s defense capabilities.

Together with industry representatives, the leaders and experts present will discuss opportunities for collaboration, with the aim of

stimulating innovation and creating sustainable partnerships that contribute to regional defense and European security. With a well-defined agenda and an elite panel of guests, this summit is an essential meeting point for those involved in national and regional security, providing an up-to-date perspective on how Romania can continue to play a leading role in maintaining peace and stability in its region and beyond.

Newsweek România established itself on the business events market, in various fields of activity: retail, investment, energy, defense, financial education, health, IT&C, construction. On these occasions, topical issues are discussed with decision-makers from the public administration and representatives of the private business environment, solutions and products of partners and the latest trends are presented.

To take part in the workshop please register by email office@newsweek.ro, and you will be confirmed by a message by the organizer. Seating is limited.

SPEAKERS

AGENDA

13:00 - 13:15

Summit opening speech

Speaker: Sabin Orcan
13:00 – 13:15

Simona Cojocaru, Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defense: "Romania's strategic position in the face of security challenges in the context of the war in Ukraine and global pressures"
- Evolution of security threats in Eastern Europe and Romania's response;
- Adapting Romania's defense strategy to the new geopolitical and technological realities;
- Strategic partnerships with NATO and the EU in the face of Russian aggression and Chinese influence.
Speaker: Simona Cojocaru
13.15-13.20

Pause
15:20 – 14:20

PANEL 1 - Strengthening Romania's role in NATO and adapting to a changing security environment
- Romania's position in the face of new global risks and contributions to NATO's collective security;
  Romania as a pillar of stability in NATO's Eastern region;
  Emerging technologies and the role of industrial partnerships in strengthening Romania's military capabilities;
  Romania's strategic positioning in relation to NATO's Eastern flank;
  The need to strengthen interoperability with allied forces and the integration of emerging technologies;
  Romania as a regional hub for NATO operations and its role in deterring threats from Eastern Europe.
Speakers: Lt. Gen. Iulian Berdilă, Claudiu Degeratu, Adrian Iacob
14.20-14.30

Pause
14.30 - 15.30

PANEL 2 - Responses to the militarization of the Black Sea and challenges from Russia. Romania's role in ensuring regional security
- Romanian fleet modernization and the maritime role in regional security;
- Analysis of the strategic challenges in the Black Sea and Romania's responses;
- Assessment of unconventional threats to national security and Romania's responses;
- The militarization of the Black Sea and Romania's response to Russia's growing influence;
- Operational challenges and the need for a permanent maritime presence in the region;
- The role of strategic maritime infrastructure in strengthening energy and economic security.
Speakers: RADM Nicu Chirea, Dorin Popescu, Iulian Chifu
15.30-15.40

Pause
15.40-16.40

PANEL 3 - Transforming the Romanian Land Forces for future conflicts: modernization, strategy and readiness
- The need to modernize and adapt to hybrid conflicts;
- Preparing forces for hybrid and unconventional conflicts;
- Geopolitical impact of Black Sea defense initiatives and cooperation with NATO allies;
- Modernization of ground forces equipment and infrastructure to counter hybrid threats;
- Preparing land forces for international and multi-front missions;
- Adapting strategies to asymmetric risks and using emerging technologies.
Speakers: Brig. Gen. Gabriel Turculeț, Gen. (r) Virgil Bălăceanu, BG (ret.) Cătălin Mihalache
16.40-16.50

Pause
16.50-17.50

PANEL 4 - Strengthening air and cyber defense in NATO: Challenges and opportunities
- Strengthening air defense capabilities and adapting to new threats;
- Recommended approach - Geopolitical challenges and strategic opportunities for Romania within NATO;
- The role of public-private partnerships in cyber defense and the development of national capabilities;
  Air defense modernization and expansion in cooperation with NATO allies;
- Romania's role in NATO cyber initiatives and strengthening the national cyber defense infrastructure;
  Private sector and government collaboration to address emerging cyber challenges in the Eastern European region.
Speakers: Fl. Gen. Ioan Mischie, Iulia Joja, Magda Jianu