The seventh edition of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Olympiad was hosted this year by the Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS) in Budapest. This biannual international competition took place over a week, marking an important event coinciding with Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2024. The presidency duties include organizing this scientific competition in cooperation with the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).
The event - which was the first official program of Hungary's EU presidency - was inaugurated on July 2nd in the university's Széchenyi Hall. Colonel Zoltán Jobbágy, head of the Department of Strategic Studies at the Faculty of Military Science and Officer Training at Ludovika University, welcomed the participants. Following him, Major General Prof. Dr. László Kovács, Vice-Rector for Science at Ludovika University, delivered an address on behalf of Rector Gergely Deli. He recounted the history of the competition, which began in 2012 and has been held every two years since, with Hungary participating since 2016.
General Kovács highlighted the importance of institutions being open to knowledge sharing and exchange of experiences, which has contributed to the competition’s popularity. He stressed that the event is an excellent platform for building valuable relationships, which are crucial for strengthening the European Union.
Brigadier General Péter Lippai, Dean of the Faculty of Military Science and Officer Training, emphasized the importance of cooperation for Europe's future prosperity and security. He noted that the competition fosters innovative security policy ideas and fresh perspectives. The professional relationships and friendships formed during the event are significant for fostering future leaders who share common values.
László Hajnik, Deputy State Secretary for Defence Policy at the Ministry of Defence, reminded the participants that Hungary has been holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union since July 1st. He emphasized the importance of sincere communication among member states and institutions for peace, prosperity, and a strong Europe. He pointed out the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities in light of ongoing conflicts. He also mentioned that one of the seven priorities of Hungary's presidency is the common security and defense policy, with a focus on improving the EU's military responsiveness, capability development through PESCO, and strengthening the EU's Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).
Colonel Harald Gell, chairman of the European initiative inspired by the Erasmus program for young officer exchanges, thanked the organizers and explained the fair system for evaluating essays, including checks for plagiarism. He stressed the importance of preparing tasks well in advance, reflecting the principle of military preparedness.
Anna Molnár, the organizer of the competition and head of the Department of International Security Studies at Ludovika University, has been involved in developing the ESDC's educational portfolio and organizing training since 2013. She thanked the Ministry of Defence and the university for their support and assistance in organizing the event.
Text: Lilla Kovács
Photos: Dénes Szilágyi