Warsaw Forum on EU-Indo-Pacific Cooperation

EU-Indo-Pacific Forum at the University of Warsaw
14-15 April 2025

The Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is proud to host the EU-Indo-Pacific Forum on 14-15 April 2025, a significant event dedicated to the European Union’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. This conference will explore the evolving dynamics of EU-Indo-Pacific relations, with a focus on security, economic, and energy cooperation. The Forum will provide a platform for scholars, diplomats, and policymakers to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of EU engagement in the Indo-Pacific amidst shifting geopolitical realities. The event is held under the patronage of The Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU and in partnership with the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), Forum Młodych Dyplomatów, The Student Research Group on Pacific Area States, and The Student Research Group on Diplomacy and Law.

We invite you to join this prominent forum to engage in high-level discussions on the European Union’s role in shaping security and policy frameworks in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Forum will address the following key topics:

• European Union Strategy in the Indo-Pacific – Tracking the Evolution
• Economic and Energy Security in the EU’s Approach Towards the Indo-Pacific
• Cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific Region: Key Issues and Challenges
• Hybrid Threats and Rules-Based Order
• Maritime Security and EU-Indo-Pacific Connectivity
• Policy Recommendations

The event will feature prominent speakers, including policymakers, experts from leading academic institutions, and officials from the European Union and national governments. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore policy recommendations and contribute to shaping future EU strategies in the region.

To participate in the EU-Indo-Pacific Forum, registration is required. Please complete the registration form through the following link: Register Here.

You can access the full EU-Indo-Pacific Forum program by viewing the PDF.

We look forward to your participation in this important Conference.

These distinguished experts will be speakers at the EU-Indo-Pacific Forum, sharing their insights on key issues related to the European Union’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region:

Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski – Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland

Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski serves as the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. He holds a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from the University of Cambridge and an M.A. in anthropology and history from the University of Warsaw. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Bartoszewski was an independent research fellow at the University of Oxford and the University of Warwick. In the financial sector, he has held CEO and board member positions at international institutions in Poland, including JP Morgan, ING Barings, and Credit Suisse. He also served as Deputy CEO and board member of Exatel S.A. from 2014 to 2016.

Mr. Stavros Petropoulos – European External Action Service

Stavros Petropoulos is a Senior Expert for the Indo-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS). In this capacity, he is responsible for the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the Indo-Pacific region. He has also been involved in discussions and seminars addressing the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy and its implications for regions such as ASEAN.

Mr. Pierre Mayaudon – ESIWA co-director

Mr. Pierre Mayaudon is the Co-Director of the Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA) project and a former European Union Ambassador to Afghanistan (2017-2020). With extensive diplomatic experience, he has served in various EU missions, focusing on security cooperation, international relations, and regional stability. The ESIWA project, funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen security partnerships between the EU and Asian countries in areas such as cybersecurity, maritime security, counter-terrorism, and crisis management. Mr. Mayaudon’s expertise in diplomacy and security policy makes him a key figure in fostering EU-Asia cooperation.

Dr. Samir Saran – President of the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi

Dr. Samir Saran is the President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), one of India’s leading think tanks focused on global governance, security, technology, and economic policy. A prominent commentator on international affairs, he has played a key role in shaping discussions on India’s foreign policy, climate change, digital governance, and strategic affairs. Under his leadership, ORF has expanded its global reach, fostering dialogue through initiatives like the Raisina Dialogue and collaborations with international institutions. Dr. Saran’s expertise in geopolitics and multilateral diplomacy positions him as a significant voice in global policy debates.

Prof. Roman Kuźniar – University of Warsaw

Professor Roman Kuźniar is a distinguished academic and political scientist at the University of Warsaw, where he leads the Department of Strategic Studies and International Security. He has held significant roles, including Head of the Department of Policy Planning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Advisor on International Affairs to President Bronisław Komorowski. His research focuses on international relations, strategic studies, and Polish foreign policy. Prof. Kuźniar has contributed extensively to discussions on Poland’s integration into the EU and the nation’s political landscape, and he has been honored with the French Legion of Honour for his contributions to diplomacy and academia.

Prof. Marcin Grabowski – Jagiellonian University

Professor Marcin Grabowski is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Political Science and International Relations of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. He serves as the Director of the Centre for International Studies and Development and leads the university’s team for the European Hub for Contemporary China project. His research interests encompass Asia-Pacific relations, U.S. foreign policy, and international relations theories, with a particular focus on their application in Asia and Africa. Prof. Grabowski has also held leadership positions in international organizations, including serving as Vice-President of the Global International Relations association.​​

Prof. Dominik Mierzejewski – University of Lodz

Professor Dominik Mierzejewski is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Asian Studies at the University of Lodz. He also directs the university’s Centre for Asian Affairs, focusing on China’s domestic development and foreign policy. Prof. Mierzejewski earned his Ph.D. from the University of Lodz and has furthered his studies at institutions such as Shanghai International Studies University. His research interests include the rhetoric of Chinese diplomacy, political transformation of the PRC, and the role of provinces in Chinese foreign policy. He has contributed to various publications and has been involved in international collaborations, including lectures at institutions like Nankai University in China.

Prof. Frédéric Grare – European Council on Foreign Relations

Professor Frédéric Grare is a Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), specializing in Indo-Pacific security, maritime strategy, and South Asian geopolitics. With extensive experience in strategic affairs, he has worked with institutions such as the French Ministry of Armed Forces, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Centre for Analysis, Planning, and Strategy (CAPS). His research focuses on China’s role in the Indo-Pacific, India’s strategic posture, and European security policies in Asia. Dr. Grare’s expertise in international relations and defense strategy makes him a key voice in shaping Europe’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

Prof. Jagannath Panda – Institute for Security and Development Policy, Sweden & University of Warsaw

Professor Jagannath P. Panda is the Head of the Stockholm Centre for South Asian and Indo-Pacific Affairs (SCSA-IPA)at the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP) in Sweden. He also serves as a Professor at the Department of Regional and Global Studies at the University of Warsaw. Additionally, Dr. Panda holds positions as the Director for Europe-Asia Research Cooperation at the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS) and as a Senior Fellow at The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) in the Netherlands. Dr. Panda has testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission at the U.S. Congress on “China and South Asia.” He is the Series Editor for Routledge Studies on Think Asia and contributes to publications such as The National Interest and The Diplomat. 

Ms. Maria Barbara Chojnacka – Deputy Head of Unit for East Asia and the Pacific

Maria Barbara Chojnacka serves as the Deputy Head of Unit for East Asia and the Pacific within the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships. In this role, she oversees initiatives aimed at enhancing the EU’s partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on sustainable development and regional cooperation. Her responsibilities include organizing forums and meetings, preparing analytical reports, and coordinating policy developments related to the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. She has also contributed to end-of-year reports for Pacific region countries, analyzing economic and legal challenges to development.

Prof. Jakub Zajączkowski – University of Warsaw

Professor Jakub Zajączkowski is a distinguished academic serving as a Professor and Chairperson of the Scientific Council for International Relations at the University of Warsaw. He also acts as the Dean’s Representative for International Relations and Research Programs at the university’s Faculty of Political Science and International Studies. Prof. Zajączkowski’s expertise encompasses international politics, international relations theory, international security, global studies, regional integration, and Southeast Asian studies. He has contributed significantly to scholarly discourse, authoring works such as “Unia Europejska w stosunkach międzynarodowych. Wymiar polityczny” and “Poziomy analizy regionalnej w nauce o stosunkach międzynarodowych.”

Dr. Saroj Kumar Aryal – University of Warsaw

Dr. Saroj Kumar Aryal is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Warsaw, where he also manages international cooperation initiatives. He earned his Ph.D. in International Relations from the same institution, focusing on political science and administration. Dr. Aryal’s research interests include South Asian security dynamics, China’s foreign policy, and India’s strategic culture. He has published extensively in these areas, with notable articles in journals such as Geopolitics and the Asian Journal of Comparative Politics. Additionally, he has contributed to edited volumes like China’s Himalayan Hustle: Revisionism Resistance Must be the Order of the Region and participated in the Stockholm Forum on Himalaya. Beyond academia, Dr. Aryal serves as the President of YouthAid-Nepal, reflecting his commitment to social development initiatives.

Prof. Katarzyna Nawrot – University of Warsaw

Professor Katarzyna Nawrot is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Warsaw. She specializes in international relations and has actively contributed to academic dialogues on EU-Indo-Pacific cooperation. In October 2024, Prof. Nawrot chaired the “Track-II Dialogue on the European and Indo-Pacific Security Nexus,” focusing on the roles of Poland, South Korea, and major Asian actors in regional security dynamics. She has also been involved in organizing forums such as the “Warsaw Forum on EU-Indo-Pacific Cooperation,” featuring speakers like Prof. Anne McNaughton, Director of the Centre for European Studies at the Australian National University, and Prof. Kim Van, highlighting her commitment to fostering international academic collaborations.

Prof. Anne McNaughton – Director of Centre for European Studies ANU

Professor Anne McNaughton is the Director of the Centre for European Studies at the Australian National University (ANU), a position she has held since March 2020. She previously served as Deputy Director of the Centre from 2015. Specializing in comparative law, her research focuses on the impact of global economic integration on local legal systems, particularly in the context of the European Union. She has contributed extensively to research funded by the EU’s Jean Monnet activities and is a recognized expert on mutual recognition in EU jurisprudence and international trade treaties.

Prof. Kim Van Der Borght – Vrije University of Borght

Professor Kim Van der Borght is a Professor of International Economic Law and Diplomacy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), where he holds the Research Chair in Asia-Pacific Studies. His expertise includes international trade, investment agreements, economic governance, and dispute settlement, with a focus on trade facilitation and economic diplomacy. He is listed on the WTO Governmental Roster of Panellists and has served as an accredited arbitrator and legal advisor for UNCTAD and various European Union treaties.

Dr. Patryk Kugiel – Polish Institute of International Affairs

Dr. Patryk Kugiel is a Senior Analyst at the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), specializing in South Asia and international development. He also serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Warsaw, contributing to academic discourse on international relations. Dr. Kugiel has actively participated in international dialogues, including discussions on security and defense cooperation between India and Poland at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi. In September 2024, he engaged in an exchange of views with the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute in Sri Lanka, focusing on bilateral relations and regional security dynamics. His research interests encompass development cooperation, South Asian affairs, and international relations, with a particular focus on India’s role in the global order.

Dr. Anna Wróbel – University of Warsaw

Dr. Anna Wróbel is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw, where she also serves as the Head of the International Relations program. She earned her Ph.D. in Political Science in 2007, with a dissertation on the liberalization of international trade in services. Dr. Wróbel’s research interests include global trade governance, the World Trade Organization, international trade in services, food security, and EU trade policy. She is a founding member of the Polish International Studies Association and has been involved in various international academic exchanges. 

Dr. Karina Jędrzejowska – University of Warsaw

Dr. Karina Jędrzejowska is an Assistant Professor at the University of Warsaw’s Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, specializing in international financial architecture, sovereign debt restructuring, and development finance. She serves on the Governing Board of the World International Studies Committee (WISC) and was recently elected to the Governing Council of the International Studies Association (ISA), becoming the first Polish scholar to hold this position.

Dr. Isabelle Saint-Mezard – French Institute for International Relations

Dr. Isabelle Saint-Mézard is a Professor at the Institut Français de Géopolitique, University Paris 8, and serves as Associate Researcher at the Centre Asie of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI). She previously worked as an analyst on South Asia for the French Ministry of Defence’s Directorate for Strategic Affairs (2006-2011) and as a researcher on the China-India Project at the University of Hong Kong’s Centre of Asian Studies (2003-2006). She holds a Ph.D. in international relations from the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris. Her research focuses on South Asian geopolitics, particularly India’s strategic and security issues, and she has recently published on the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific.

Dr. eng. Bartłomiej Moszoro – University of Warsaw

Dr. eng. Bartłomiej Stanisław Moszoro is a teaching fellow at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Warsaw. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics in 2007 and has held managerial positions in NGOs focused on culture and education. From 2007 to 2013, he served as a research and teaching fellow at the Department of Enterprise Management at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin. His research interests encompass innovation, cyber resilience, cyber risk, supply chain management, business models, business continuity, and humanocracy. In 2024, he contributed to the publication “BIG DATA Sztuczna inteligencja i analityka wielkich zbiorów danych w firmie i gospodarce,” discussing cybersecurity in companies.

Dr. Farlina Said – Institute of Strategic & International Studies, Malaysia

Dr. Farlina Said is a Senior Analyst in the Foreign Policy and Security Studies programme at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia. She graduated from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University with a Master of Science in Strategic Studies. Since joining ISIS Malaysia in 2015, Dr. Said has been actively involved in organizing dialogues and forums on topics such as cybersecurity, radicalization, and Malaysia-Korea relations. She has contributed to regional and international discussions, including the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP) Study Group on International Law and Cyberspace.

Mr. Benjamin Ang – Centre of Excellence for National Security Nanyang Technological University

Benjamin Ang is a Senior Fellow and the Head of the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS) at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. He also leads the Future Issues in Technology (FIT) research group. His work focuses on national security challenges related to cybersecurity, disinformation, foreign interference, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Ang has provided expert testimony at international forums, including the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Cyber, and lectures at the UN-Singapore Cyber Fellowship. Before joining RSIS, he held various roles in law and technology sectors, including positions at Osborne Clarke and the Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF).

Mr. Yannick Ragonneau – Cyber Security Coordinator of the ESIWA+

Yannick Ragonneau is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over 19 years of experience in risk management and information security. He has held leadership roles such as Managing Director of Security and Risk Consulting at Dell SecureWorks in EMEA and Partner and Chief Risk Officer at VONA Consulting, where he focused on connecting business and technologies. In these capacities, Ragonneau has demonstrated expertise in risk management, IT governance, and business transformation. He has also been actively involved in discussions on combating cyber manipulation and enhancing internal communication regarding cybersecurity and safety.

Prof. Edward Haliżak – Polish International Studies Association

Professor Edward Haliżak is a prominent scholar and the Director of the Institute of International Relations at the University of Warsaw. He is a key member of the Polish International Studies Association and has contributed significantly to the academic discourse on global security and cultural dimensions in international relations. Prof. Halizak has represented the University in various international forums and has been involved in initiatives like the Master’s program in Indian Studies. His research interests include the role of culture in international relations, and he has published extensively on the subject.

Prof. Marek Madej – University of Warsaw

Professor Marek Madej is an Associate Professor at the University of Warsaw, specializing in international security, armed conflicts, and asymmetric threats. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and was awarded habilitation in 2018. Prof. Madej has contributed significantly to research on terrorism, military alliances, and NATO, and has authored key publications such as “Asymmetric Threats to State Security in the Transatlantic Area.” He served as Deputy Director for Academic Research and International Cooperation at the Institute of International Relations at the University of Warsaw and is a research fellow at the Polish Institute of International Affairs.

Prof. Delphine Allès – INALCO, France

Professor Delphine Allès is a university professor of political science and currently serves as the Vice-President of the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (INALCO) in Paris, France. Her research primarily focuses on global international relations, multilateralism, security, and Southeast Asia, with a particular emphasis on Indonesia. She is also a researcher at the South-East Asia Centre (CASE), a joint initiative between EHESS and INALCO. In May 2024, Professor Allès delivered the Oxford School of Global & Area Studies’ Annual Lecture, discussing “Area Studies in a Time of Crisis,” where she addressed the evolution and challenges of area studies in contemporary research. Her scholarly contributions include publications such as “Transnational Islamic actors and Indonesia’s foreign policy: Transcending the state.”

Prof. Jan Hornát – Charles Univerisity, Prague

Professor Jan Hornát, serves as the Head of the Department of North American Studies at the Institute of International Studies within the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University in Prague. Since April 2019, he has led this department, focusing his research on American foreign policy, transatlantic relations, and the influence of status in international affairs. In September 2022, he served as a Fulbright-Masaryk Scholar at the School of Public and International Affairs at North Carolina State University. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Hornát was the Head of Unit at the Department of European Programs in the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic. He is also a Senior Researcher at the Peace Research Center Prague.

Prof. Ken Jimbo – International House of Japan & Keio University

Professor Ken Jimbo is a Professor at the Faculty of Policy Management and the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University in Japan, specializing in international security and Japan’s defense policies. He is also the Managing Director of Programs at the International House of Japan and serves as the President of the Asia Pacific Initiative think tank. Dr. Jimbo has held several advisory roles, including Special Advisor to the Minister of Defense and Senior Advisor to Japan’s National Security Secretariat. His extensive policy expertise is frequently sought by Japanese governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Defense and Foreign Affairs.

Prof. Rafał Ulatowski – University of Warsaw

Professor Rafał Ulatowski is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Warsaw. His research interests include international political economy, energy markets, and German foreign policy. Dr. Ulatowski has delivered guest lectures at institutions such as the University of Konstanz, Tsinghua University, and Kyungpook National University. He has been awarded scholarships from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Institute of Polish Culture, and the French government.

Mr. Giovanni Cremonini – Head of Sector, EEAS

Giovanni Cremonini has served as the Head of the Maritime Security Sector at the European External Action Service (EEAS) since 2021. An EU official since 1994, he has held various positions, including managing technical assistance programs in Russia and leading the Political Section of the EU Delegation in China. His Brussels assignments encompassed roles such as Senior Policy Coordinator for the European Neighbourhood Policy and Policy Officer for security partnerships with Asian countries.

Prof. Christian Bueger – University of Copenhagen

Professor Christian Bueger is a distinguished scholar in International Relations at the University of Copenhagen, where he leads the Ocean Infrastructures Research Group and the Copenhagen Ocean Hub. His research interests encompass global governance, ocean politics, and maritime security. He is a Research Fellow at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). Previously, he held a professorship at Cardiff University and has been a visiting scholar at institutions such as the Graduate Institute Geneva and the National University of Singapore. Professor Bueger is actively involved in maritime security initiatives, co-directing the SafeSeas network and co-chairing the Copenhagen Ocean Hub.

Prof. Axel Berkofsky – University of Pavia

Professor Axel Berkofsky is an Associate Professor at the University of Pavia in Italy, specializing in Asian politics and security. He co-heads the Asia Centre at the Instituto per gli Studi di Policia Internazionale (ISPI) in Milan and serves on the executive committees of the European Japan Advanced Research Network (EJARN) and the Canon Foundation in Europe. Prof. Berkofsky has previously held as a Senior Policy Analysts at the European Policy Centre (EPC) and as a Research Fellow at the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) in Brussels.

Dr. Tomasz Łukaszuk – University of Warsaw

Dr. Tomasz Łukaszuk is a Research Assistant at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies of the University of Warsaw. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and Administration, awarded in 2024. Dr. Łukaszuk’s scholarly work focuses on maritime governance in the Indian Ocean, particularly examining India’s role in shaping regional maritime policies. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Łukaszuk served as a diplomat for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with postings in countries such as Indonesia, India, and Afghanistan. He is also a former fellow at the Global India Program, where he contributed to research on India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region. 

Mr. Yves Postec – ESIWA+ Expert

Yves Postec serves as the Maritime Security Coordinator for the ESIWA (Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia) project. With over 30 years of experience in security and international engagement across Europe, the United States, and the Asia-Pacific region, he brings extensive expertise to his role. In February 2025, Postec visited the Regional Centre for Maritime Studies in Sri Lanka to discuss potential collaborations between EU maritime security initiatives and regional partners. He has also participated in training courses and roundtable discussions, emphasizing the importance of securing maritime areas and fostering cooperation between the EU and Asian nations.

Dr. Małgorzata Bonikowska – Team Europe, Centre for Europe

Dr. Małgorzata Bonikowska is a political scientist and EU expert, serving as a member of Team Europe. She holds a Ph.D. in European history and specializes in European studies and EU foreign and security policy. As President of the Centre for International Relations (CIR), she leads a prominent Polish think tank focusing on foreign affairs. Dr. Bonikowska also co-founded and presides over the THINKTANK Leaders Hub, a network for professionals in business and public administration. She lectures at the Centre for Europe, University of Warsaw. Her recent work includes co-authoring the “Better Europe” report, which brings a Polish perspective to discussions on EU improvement.

Amb. Witold Sobków – Special Envoy to the Indo-Pacific Region, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland

Ambassador Witold Sobków is a seasoned Polish diplomat currently serving as the Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific Region and Afghanistan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. Ambassador Sobków’s diplomatic career commenced in 1991, following the Solidarity Revolution, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has held various significant positions, including Deputy Head of Mission at the Polish Embassy in London, Ambassador to Ireland, Under-Secretary of State for European Affairs, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. 

Prof. Joanna Starzyk-Sulejewska – University of Warsaw

Professor Joanna Starzyk-Sulejewska is an Associate Professor at the University of Warsaw, serving as Vice Dean for Science at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies. She is affiliated with the Department of Diplomacy and International Institutions. She is a member of several professional associations, including the International Studies Association (ISA), the European International Studies Association (EISA), the Polish International Studies Association (PTSM), and the Polish European Studies Association (PTSE). Notably, she presides over the European section of PTSM and collaborates with the Central European International Studies Association (CEISA) and the Polish Political Science Association (PTNP).