As Europe faces an increasingly unstable security environment, the question of how to strengthen its defence has never been more urgent. This pressing issue was at the heart of discussions on 27 January, as experts and policymakers convened to explore strategies for reinforcing European security in the face of mounting threats.
Europe’s security at risk
Almost three years after the Strategic Compass warned that Europe is in danger, the situation remains critical. Russia continues to pose a real, direct, and long-term threat to European security. The need for immediate and effective action is clear.
"Only the strong can be and remain free." – EUISS Director Steven Everts opened the event with this powerful statement, emphasising the necessity of a strong and united Europe. He posed a crucial question: How can we collectively invest in the strength required to secure our future?
Lieutenant-General Piotr Błazeusz, Commanding General of Eurocorps, reinforced this urgency in his keynote speech. "Russia is a real, direct, and long-term threat to Europe," he stated, calling for deeper EU-NATO cooperation to counter this growing challenge.
Building, buying, and funding weapons together (or not?)
One of the key discussions centred on the question of European defence cooperation: should EU nations buy, build, and fund weapons together—or not? EUISS Senior Analyst Jan Joel Andersson presented his research trilogy, delving into three crucial aspects of European defence:
- Building weapons together: How to strengthen the European defence industry
- Buying weapons together: Joint defence acquisition and parallel arms procurement
- Funding weapons together: How to pay for European defence
Insights from the experts
Our expert panel, including Kajsa Ollongren, Stijn Mols, Christian Mölling, Jan Joel Andersson, and Sven Biscop, provided invaluable perspectives on the path forward.
"Now is the time to stop reacting and start acting." – Former Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren concluded the seminar with this call to action, underscoring the urgency of decisive and immediate steps to safeguard Europe’s future.
