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On November 4, 2025, Dr. Liliana Popescu Birlan, Professor at the Faculty of Political Science, SNSPA (National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Bucharest) and Senior Research Fellow of the Institute for National and International Security (INIS), delivered a lecture at the European College for Security and Defence (ESDC) in Brussels on the topic “EU Enlargement Diplomacy.”
Coinciding with the European Council Summit on EU enlargement, Dr. Popescu Birlan’s lecture offered a timely and thought-provoking academic reflection on the European Union’s geopolitical role and future direction. Her presentation was inspired by a quotation from the European Policy Centre (EPC):
“History is calling, but will Europeans come to the rendezvous?”
In her address, Dr. Popescu Birlan emphasized that for the European Union to remain geopolitically relevant, it must demonstrate determination, coherence, and leadership, while combining enlargement and institutional reform. She underlined that Europe possesses vast human and intellectual resources, and that both EU members and candidate countries must have the confidence and courage to act together toward a shared strategic vision.
The course was organized by Professor Silviu Rogobete of the University of the West, who concluded the session by echoing Dr. Popescu Birlan’s message:
“We Europeans—all of us, members and candidates alike—have many resources. What we need most is faith in ourselves and the courage not to be afraid.”
Dr. Liliana Popescu Birlan’s participation reflects INIS’s active engagement in European academic and strategic dialogue, reinforcing its mission to promote international cooperation, research excellence, and security education within the framework of European institutions and global partners.
Share
On November 4, 2025, Dr. Liliana Popescu Birlan, Professor at the Faculty of Political Science, SNSPA (National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Bucharest) and Senior Research Fellow of the Institute for National and International Security (INIS), delivered a lecture at the European College for Security and Defence (ESDC) in Brussels on the topic “EU Enlargement Diplomacy.”
Coinciding with the European Council Summit on EU enlargement, Dr. Popescu Birlan’s lecture offered a timely and thought-provoking academic reflection on the European Union’s geopolitical role and future direction. Her presentation was inspired by a quotation from the European Policy Centre (EPC):
“History is calling, but will Europeans come to the rendezvous?”
In her address, Dr. Popescu Birlan emphasized that for the European Union to remain geopolitically relevant, it must demonstrate determination, coherence, and leadership, while combining enlargement and institutional reform. She underlined that Europe possesses vast human and intellectual resources, and that both EU members and candidate countries must have the confidence and courage to act together toward a shared strategic vision.
The course was organized by Professor Silviu Rogobete of the University of the West, who concluded the session by echoing Dr. Popescu Birlan’s message:
“We Europeans—all of us, members and candidates alike—have many resources. What we need most is faith in ourselves and the courage not to be afraid.”
Dr. Liliana Popescu Birlan’s participation reflects INIS’s active engagement in European academic and strategic dialogue, reinforcing its mission to promote international cooperation, research excellence, and security education within the framework of European institutions and global partners.
