The URJC and NATO analyze hybrid threats in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea

David Viera

During the course of this workshop, topics related to the response to this type of threats will be addressed. All these warnings, together with the passivity of the member states, cause the erosion of trust in the military alliance, the European Union and the West in general. 

Rubén Arcos, one of the main experts of the Social Communication research group at the URJC Ciberimaginario, comments that among the objectives is “to develop a defense model against hybrid threats and build resilient societies, in addition to drawing conclusions about this situation.” . This event is a continuation of the previous “workshop” held in 2021, where the same topic was addressed. Among the personalities attending the event we find, online, Päivi Mattila, coordinator of the EU-HYBNE project; and in person to Antonio Notario, representative of the Strategic Planning Unit of the Department of National Security of Spain, or Marc Ozawa, senior researcher at the NATO Defense Institute in Rome. 

This workshop is divided into two parts, a hybrid (in-person and with online panels) where we will seek to reflect from the understanding on issues related to the situation of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea in reference to the present threats, addressing ideas such as resilience or the future of the conflict in these affected areas. The second part will be in person and a “Wargame” will be presented with the aim of drawing conclusions about the conflict in a more interactive way.

Regarding global news in terms of war, Ruben Arcos explained that “the War between Ukraine and Russia marked a change in NATO's position, strengthening the position between the European Union and NATO, developing more instruments to fight against Russia and non-governmental organizations. states that are taking advantage of the conflict for their own interests.” The workshop will also address the reality of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, which "affects the West and practically the entire world," adds the researcher.

Attendance on the first day of the workshop is open and anyone interested can attend. However, the second day will be closed to event organizers and guests. The meeting will be attended by NATO's diplomacy division, along with the participation of different European universities such as the Free University of Brussels or the Mid University of Sweden.