At CEP pre-holiday discussion that took place on 15. 12. 2025 under the title“2026: What’s Coming — and How to Make the Best of It?”, we looked at what 2026 might bring, the challenges ahead, and the opportunities to shape a better future.

In a wide-ranging discussion, speakers warned of an increasingly deteriorating international security environment, Russia’s role in reshaping Europe’s strategic reality, and a transatlantic relationship that is fundamentally changing. As global politics become more transactional, Europe faces profound challenges — from security and societal cohesion to technological change and strategic autonomy.

But at the same time, this moment could become a turning point for Europe to adapt, evolve, and redefine itself for the better. To go through a ‘European Renaissance’.

While the outlook for 2026 points to continued volatility, uncertainty, and serious challenges, one source of optimism remained clear: for now, many of the key decisions are still in the hands of people. If we choose to act and make the effort, we can create a better future.

Speakers:

🔹 Sabina R. Stadler, Head of the Department for Strategic Studies and Analyses at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

🔹 Dr Dejan Verčič, Professor and Head of Centre for Marketing and Public Relations at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana

🔹 Vojko Volk, State Secretary for National and International Security at Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia

Bloomberg Adria published a summary of the discussion — read it here. 

Over recent years, we have lost our sense of optimism about the future.

Rather than approaching the new year with excitement and curiosity, we find ourselves preoccupied with what might unravel next. The international environment in which we operate has grown increasingly uncertain, fragile, and volatile.

At CEP’s traditional pre-Christmas discussion, we want to shift the tone. Not by ignoring reality, but by looking at 2026 honestly and asking: what is coming — and how can we make the best of it?

We invite our partners, colleagues, and friends to join us for an engaging pre-holiday conversation exploring what 2026 may bring across the full breadth of CEP’s work: ranging from geopolitics and international security to Slovenia’s foreign policy, development cooperation, Ukraine support, the Western Balkans, and more.

Our purpose is twofold: to candidly address emerging challenges while exploring why we should look forward to 2026 — and what concrete steps we can take to help make that vision possible. We want to close the year with both clarity and a measured degree of optimism.

Stay with us after the discussion for a festive reception.

If you plan to attend, please confirm your attendance here.

Speakers

Sabina Stadler, Head of the Department for Strategic Studies and Analyses at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Dr Dejan Verčič, Professor and Head of Centre for Marketing and Public Relations at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana

Vojko Volk, State Secretary for National and International Security at Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia