The launch of the European Futures Initiative fits squarely into that debate, and I’m ready to engage - and compete - as ideas for Europe’s future start taking shape. And yes, Edi Rama was unmistakably himself, even when moderating (!) a panel.

Yet we should not fool ourselves: it is infinitely harder to preserve what we already have than it is to fight for what we desperately long for.

What we in our region must do is clear. The Cold War ended because the longing for freedom was stronger than the power emanating from Moscow. We must recognise that this is once again our only real option.

The security services, empowered and enriched by war, thrive in confrontation and instability. Which tower prevails will determine Russia’s next steps far more than any statement from Washington.

This is the familiar struggle between the two Kremlin towers.

The oligarchs, whose fortunes rely on reconnecting with global markets, have every incentive to freeze the conflict and limit further damage.

If he refuses, it would be because parts of the Russian elite believe they can still win more on the battlefield. The narrative of momentum - the idea that further advances are within reach - fuels the conviction that a military solution remains not only possible but preferable.

And relying on a promise from someone known for reversing course would provide no meaningful long-term stability; such a guarantee might, in the end, be as unreliable as the Kremlin’s own commitments.

If he does, it would suggest Russia’s economic situation is significantly worse than many assumed. Accepting a peace deal - whatever it ultimately would look like - before sanctions are lifted would alienate Beijing at a time when Moscow is dangerously dependent on China.

But even such an extraordinary signal does not answer the real question: will Vladimir Putin finally end the war of aggression?

In cooperation with ARGE Donauländer and Universität für Weiterbildung Krems

We also spoke about EU enlargement and the need for us to be ready. Integration was compared to a moving train; I picked up the metaphor: we’re adding new cars while some are on fire, going full speed, and a few valves are blocked. Now we all need to work together to keep things on track.