First Seminar of the High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD) – 2025-2026 Session
On 12 and 13 September 2025, the participants of the new session of the High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD) gathered for the Seminar on Fundamental Principles. Two intensive days — filled with institutional presentations, strategic reflections and human encounters — laid a solid foundation for the 2025-2026 session.
A start marked by institution and symbolism
Following the welcome and the traditional group photo, Colonel Herman Hendrickx, Director of HSSD, introduced the spirit of the programme: a space where military personnel, diplomats, academics and private sector actors come together to reflect on major security and defence challenges.
Speeches by Rear Admiral Baudouin Coppieters, Director-General of the Royal Higher Institute for Defence (RHID), and Honorary Ambassador Pol De Witte highlighted how these issues now transcend military boundaries and concern society as a whole.
Between concepts and concrete exchanges
In the afternoon, participants delved into strategic and geopolitical concepts, brilliantly presented by Sven Biscop (Egmont / UGent), followed by an overview of key approaches to international relations by Michel Liégeois (UCLouvain).
One participant shared his perspective:
“After some administrative instructions and words of welcome, we started with several content presentations. We were given an overview of the Land Component, its equipment and future projects. This introductory course was particularly useful for non-military participants. We also delved into the theoretical and conceptual world of international relations, addressing the different schools of thought and concepts such as geopolitics and strategy. This provides an important foundation that we will apply during the upcoming thematic sessions.”
A seminar designed as a collective experience
The second day focused on practice and interactivity. Belgium’s National Security Strategy waspresented by Andy Jackson (Prime Minister’s Chancellery), followed by a dynamic networking workshop led by Ann Beckers.
Major General Gert Van Goethem (Belgian Military Representation to NATO) then placed these issues in an international context through NATO’s Strategic Concept.
The same participant continued:
“The second day offered a fascinating combination of sessions on the National Security Strategy, NATO’s Strategic Concept, and a networking workshop. This shows that the curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics. Beyond the presentations, networking is of course at the heart of the programme. During this first seminar, the group has already laid solid foundations during the coffee breaks, lunches, dinner and the speed dating, which will be further strengthened in the coming sessions and visits. A successful first weekend that makes us look forward to the next ones!”
A year launched, and already a door open to the next
With this first seminar, the 2025-2026 HSSD session is now underway. The foundations are set for a year of high-level reflection, discovery and engagement.
📢 Applications for the 2026-2027 session are already open. Interested in joining the next High Studies for Security and Defence? Apply today and become part of this unique network at the crossroads of strategy, diplomacy and defence. Online registration
