On the afternoon of October 21, 2025, the Institute of International and Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University (PKU), successfully held the 93rd session of the North Pavilion Seminar lecture series, titled “Reflection on the Future of the European Union in the Context of the Ukraine Crisis”. The lecture was delivered by Professor Thierry de Montbrial, Executive Chairman of the French Institute of International Relations (IFri), and chaired by Associate Professor Guan Guihai, Executive Vice President of IISS, PKU.

Professor de Montbrial reviewed the key trajectories of Europe’s development: from the EU’s decision to expand after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, through the Maastricht Treaty’s pivotal role in creating the Euro, to the shortcomings of the EU’s sanctions against Russia amid the Ukraine crisis and the practical challenges of Ukraine’s accession to EU. He further pointed out that the EU now faces multiple challenges, including building autonomous defense capabilities, addressing migration issues, and overcoming a lack of internal consensus. He called on China, the EU, and other major powers to work together to promote stability within the global system.

During the Q&A session, Professor de Montbrial addressed questions on the core divergences of the Ukraine crisis, the underlying logic of the conflict, and the causes of the Soviet Union’s collapse, deepening participants’ understanding of the ongoing global transformation. Through in-depth discussion, the event helped faculty members and students gain a more precise grasp of the dynamics of international power interaction, fully demonstrating the intellectual guidance and practical significance of the North Pavilion Seminar. (Contributed by Du Danming)

Editor: Li Fangqi Photographer: Du Danming