Jordan Alcasas
News Editor
Joanna Smolinska, deputy head for the European Union office in San Francisco, spoke about the future of European weapons and cybersecurity earlier this month in the Abraham Campus Center before an audience of about 100.
Her talk was this year’s Benazir Bhutto and Ahmed Ispahani Lecture, an annual event focused on international issues.
Smolinska also discussed her life as someone who grew up in Poland and how it shaped her views on European security in the digital age. Her background shaped her career, as Poland’s independence introduced her to the larger world.
“I grew up in communist Poland, and was 10 when it became independent,” Smolinska said. “It was a revelation for me and my parents…before, you could come from nowhere. Eventually, I dared to take a competition to join a European commission. I passed their competition, and that’s where I’m still working.”
Smolinska explained her views. In her eyes, the EU has taken three approaches: more sovereignty, less dependency and technological leadership.
“I think Europe has woken up and changed its approach to defense dramatically,” Smolinska said. “When we speak about strategic sovereignty, there are two main themes. First is independence and resilience in energy, second is dependence on technology.”
She broke up world superpowers into their areas of strength: the U.S. has its large military, Russia has energy, and China has technology.
Europe, however, has a lot of green energy. The EU passed the European Green Deal, which seeks to provide better, cleaner energy that won’t harm the environment. She also described their humanitarian efforts, such as helping the Ukraine in the Ukraine and Russia conflict.
For example, she said that in 2022, Poland took in almost 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees, and since then has taken in more, resulting in a sizable Ukrainian population.
“That’s about 10 percent of the Poland population now,” Smolinska said. “Poland is pretty homogenous, but in the last few years you can hear the Russian and Ukrainian languages spoken in the streets.”
She then moved onto the defense and deterrence portion.
“Europe has not been investing in defence, which is truly unprecedented,” she said. “Now is the time to invest in their own security. The EU is telling other countries that they’re with you, but it’s time for us to step it up.”
Finally, she explained the idea behind the EU’s strength being the ability to be a whole unit rather than individualistic. The EU can regulate itself to allow the 27 involved countries their own freedoms and choices.
Things like education, cybersecurity and employment are difficult to legislate.
By creating new regulations the EU allows sovereignty to its nations and the ability to monitor them. They can moderate corporate power and the economy whilst simultaneously allowing for freedom.
She concluded the lecture on that note by saying that the EU’s true strength is its own unity, rather than individualism.
The lecture had the audience very invested as well, both students and faculty.
University president Risa Dickson also discussed the importance of the lecture series itself, and why it exists.
“The passion for justice Benazir Bhutto had is shared by her cousin, Dr. Ahmed Ispahani,” Dickson said. “He had an experience and expertise that transcended the role of a faculty member. He was recognized both here and in Iran, and continues to provide our students with an unparalleled understanding of what he lectures.”
“I really liked how she brought a different perspective to us.” Rania Kartouch, a senior political science major said. “…Her area of expertise in not only technology but also diplomacy was so cool to see”
Others who attended were more interested in the portion about Simolinska herself and her achievements, citing some not mentioned in the lecture.
“Since her office didn’t exist before, she set it up from scratch,” said Kenneth Marcus, professor of history.
Jordan Alcasas can be reached at jordan.alcasas@laverne.edu.
Jordan Alcasas is a sophomore journalism major with a concentration in print and online journalism. He is the news editor for the Campus Times, and previously served as social media editor and a staff writer.
Joseph Nocero is a senior photography major at the University of La Verne and a staff photographer for the Campus Times and photography editor for La Verne Magazine. His work can also be found at Joseph Nocero Photography.
