Ukraine Strategy Seminar 2026: After Certainty – Rethinking Security, Democracy and Society
The German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB), together with the Protestant Academy Loccum, is pleased to announce the third Ukraine Strategy Seminar, taking place from 30 November to 2 December 2026 in Loccum, Germany. Under the title “After Certainty: Rethinking Security, Democracy and Society,” the seminar will bring together leading policymakers, military experts, researchers, journalists, and civil society representatives from Ukraine, Europe, and beyond to discuss the future of Ukraine and European security.
As Russia continues its war against Ukraine, intensifying attacks on civilian infrastructure and preparing for another difficult winter, Europe faces fundamental questions about its security and strategic direction. Growing uncertainty in transatlantic relations adds urgency to the need for a coherent and sustainable European strategy towards Ukraine.
How can Europe and Ukraine build security together? What role should Ukraine play in Europe's emerging security architecture? How can democratic societies strengthen their resilience while confronting increasingly complex military, political, and technological threats? And what will it take to sustain support for Ukraine in the years ahead?
These questions will guide three days of intensive, interdisciplinary discussions in Loccum.
From Battlefield Developments to Europe's Security Future
The seminar's programme connects immediate security challenges with longer-term strategic questions, bringing Ukrainian wartime experience into the broader European debate.
Discussions will address the current situation on the battlefield and possible future security scenarios, as well as the implications of rapid technological innovation for European defence and deterrence. Particular attention will be paid to Ukraine's growing role as a security provider for Europe, rather than solely a recipient of international assistance.
Another central theme will be whole-of-society defence and societal resilience. Drawing on the experience of Kharkiv, participants will explore how local communities, civil society, public institutions, and the military can work together to withstand sustained attacks and maintain essential functions during wartime.
The programme will also examine Ukraine's domestic political developments, EU accession, democratic governance, and the challenges facing democratic societies amid rising authoritarianism and declining institutional trust.
Alongside plenary discussions, participants will take part in smaller thematic forums, including a military deep dive and a blackout simulation. A literary salon with Ukrainian poet and servicemember Yaryna Chornohuz will introduce a personal and cultural perspective on war, exploring what it means to preserve humanity under extreme circumstances.
Distinguished Speakers from Ukraine, Europe and Beyond
We are delighted to announce an outstanding lineup of speakers bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the discussions.
Among the speakers and moderators featured in the programme are Yaryna Chornohuz, Rebecca Harms, Yevhen Hlibovytsky, Gustav Gressel, Michael Kofman, Dmytro Kuleba, Gwendolyn Sasse, Yaroslav Trofimov, Robin Wagener, Brian Whitmore, and many other prominent voices from politics, defence, academia, journalism, and civil society.
The seminar will create space for direct exchanges between Ukrainian practitioners with first-hand experience of the war and international experts and decision-makers shaping Europe's response.
A Platform for Strategic Dialogue
The Loccum Ukraine Strategy Seminar has established itself as an annual platform for in-depth dialogue on Ukraine and Western policy towards the country. The 2026 edition will convene up to 70 participants in a format designed to encourage substantive exchanges, critical reflection, and new connections across professional and national boundaries.
The discussions will be held under the Chatham House Rule, allowing participants to engage openly on sensitive political and security issues.
For DUB, the seminar reflects a central principle of our work: Ukraine must be at the heart of discussions about Europe's security future. Ukrainian expertise, experience, and perspectives are indispensable to developing realistic and sustainable responses to the challenges facing the continent.
The seminar is jointly organised by the German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB) and the Protestant Academy Loccum, in partnership with the Frontier Institute, Sahaidachnyi Security Center, Ukrainian Institute in Germany, and Democracy Reporting International.
We warmly invite interested participants to explore the programme and register for the seminar.
Dates: 30 November – 2 December 2026
Location: Protestant Academy Loccum, Germany
Working language: English
Participation fee: €299 regular / €199 reduced (including accommodation and meals)
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