Belgrade, September 29, 2025 — The Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) hosted another edition of its renowned Horizons Discussions series, featuring Zachary Karabell, prominent American author, investor, and founder of The Progress Network, in conversation with Vuk Jeremić, CIRSD President and former President of the UN General Assembly.
The discussion — held before a distinguished audience of business, academic, political, and diplomatic leaders — focused on the theme “The Future of Europe: After the Dream.”
Opening the event, Vuk Jeremić welcomed Karabell as “an arch-optimist whose perspective brings a refreshing counterpoint to prevailing pessimism about Europe’s prospects.” He emphasized the importance of serious, forward-looking dialogue on Europe’s place in an increasingly geopolitical world, adding: “We are very pleased to have Zach with us in Belgrade and as an author in the latest issue of Horizons. His outlook reminds us that Europe, despite its current challenges, has significant assets and opportunities for a better future.”
Karabell argued that the prevailing sense of decline about Europe often overlooks the continent’s enduring strengths: “Everywhere you go in Europe today, there’s a prevailing sense of gloom. Yet the EU remains a union of 450 million people, the second-most affluent bloc in the world, enjoying the longest era of peace, stability, and prosperity in European history. We often overestimate the likelihood of catastrophe and underestimate the possibility of progress.”
On the challenges posed by geopolitical rivalries and technology competition, Karabell underlined the need for realism and adaptability: “Despite the rhetoric of decoupling, Europe’s future green transition and economic vitality will inevitably be linked to global supply chains — above all with China. The question is not whether to cooperate, but how to do so on terms that strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.”
The wide-ranging conversation also addressed European rearmament, relations with the United States and China, migration and political polarization, and the disruptive effects of artificial intelligence and robotics on the workforce.
Closing the evening, Jeremić highlighted CIRSD’s commitment to offering a platform for open, substantive dialogue: “Horizons Discussions are designed to bring together leading global thinkers to engage our public and policy community. Today’s exchange once again demonstrated how constructive, candid conversation can illuminate the complex choices facing Europe and the world.”
The event took place in Belgrade as part of CIRSD’s ongoing mission to convene high-level dialogues on major global issues — and to serve as a place where East meets West.
