Europe at a Crossroads: Security, Defence, and the Polish EU Council Presidency

Poland has assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU at a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty. Under the new US administration, we are witnessing the high-speed dismantling of the transatlantic alliance. With the suspension of all military aid to Ukraine, Washington has made it clear that the security of Ukraine and of Europe are no longer considered a priority. Pressure from the White House on Ukraine to agree to a negotiated solution with Russia at all costs is mounting daily. Recent events are a stark reminder that Europe’s seat at the table can no longer be taken for granted. 

It is therefore no surprise that questions of European security and defence are glued to the top of the political agenda. EU leaders seek to project unity, regularly convening at emergency summits. Behind the scenes, however, the situation remains contentious: EU Member States are at odds on crucial issues, including financing and procurement of additional military capabilities. 

Security is right at the heart of the Polish EU Council Presidency’s programme. In light of the geopolitical context, the challenges are tremendous. The EU’s defence industrial base needs to be strengthened, and a joint approach on military procurement as well as a sustainable financing solution must be developed.

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung invites you to join our upcoming webinar and analyse the current state of play, explore key areas of contention and discuss potential paths forward, as well as take stock of the Polish EU Council Presidency’s efforts. 

We are looking forward to welcoming a distinguished panel of experts:

• Sophia Besch, Senior Fellow, Europe Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• Łukasz Maślanka, Senior Fellow, Security and Defence Department, Centre for Eastern Studies, Warsaw 
• Nicole Koenig, Head of Policy, Munich Security Conference

Moderated by: Roderick Kefferpütz, Director, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union, Brussels

For any questions, please contact: Georg McCutcheon E mccutcheon@boell.de

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      Reading tip:

      EU defence industrial policy in a new era
      Taking stock and looking ahead

      Here you can download the e-paper (PDF) 

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» Livestream
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