The Russian-Iranian Axis:Threats to Europe’s Security and Democratic Resilience

On 29 April at the European Parliament, ECR MEP Rihards Kols and the European Leadership Network hosted a high-level policy event addressing the growing authoritarian cooperation between Russia and Iran — and its far-reaching implications for European security, NATO cohesion, and democratic resilience.

 

📌 Topics discussed:

Russia as the primary existential threat, Iran as an emerging strategic challenge

Hybrid warfare, cyber threats, energy coercion, and regional destabilization

Strategies to counter the malign Russian-Iranian axis.

 

🎤 Speakers:

James Sherr OBE — Honorary Fellow, ICDS Tallinn

Dr. Sarah Fainberg — Senior Researcher, Tel Aviv University

Edward Hunter Christie — Senior Research Fellow, FIIA

Dr. Joris Van Bladel — Senior Associate Fellow, Egmont Institute

Rihards Kols — Member of the European Parliament (ECR Group; Latvia)

 

This discussion brings together top minds in European and transatlantic security for an urgent strategic analysis.