Geo-economics
The fourth seminar of the twentieth session was dedicated to geo-economics, which was a first in the history of the High Studies for Security and Defence.
Although this topic is of ever-increasing importance in the current geopolitical context, it initially seemed challenging to put together a compelling programme about it. However, thanks in particular to the assistance of Prof. Dr Cind Du Bois (Royal Military Academy (RMA)/the cabinet of the Minister of Defence), the reactions of the audience were unanimously positive.
The first two presentations did not immediately concern geo-economics at the global level but were nonetheless gripping.
First, Maj e.r. Vincent COCHAIN (holder of a military administration degree) presented a clear outline of the sometimes alarming figures of the “state of the Belgian finances”. Afterwards, Prof. Dr Cind DU BOIS joined us in a search for balance when it comes to economic security in Belgium, via her presentation entitled ‘Economische Veiligheid in België: de zoektocht naar een evenwicht’.
The combined presentation by two speakers from BNP Paribas Forits, Koen DE LEUS and Philippe GIJSELS, who elaborated on the conclusions of their book “De Nieuwe Wereldeconomie” (The New World Economy), proved to be original and equally fascinating.
The keynote speech was given by a particularly eminent speaker, Mr Geert NOELS (Econopolis), who gave an impressive and thoroughly prepared presentation entitled “BE/EU Defence and the Economy: Towards a Mutually Strengthening Strategy”.
The seminar concluded with a presentation by Dennis ESSERS (National Bank of Belgium) on ‘the economic implications of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine’, which included a detailed overview of the Euroclear case. As during previous seminars, there was also time for a world cafe, a special type of group discussion whereby the auditors themselves put forward questions and then choose which ones they want to discuss.
