From Warsaw to Brussels: Where does Europe stand on security and defence?

Poland has assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU at a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty. In a turn of rapidly unfolding events, returning US President Trump and his cabinet have upended the transatlantic alliance and rushed to find a negotiated solution with Russia at all costs - notably disregarding Ukrainian but also European leaders in the process. The events surrounding this year’s Munich Security Conference have shown that Europe’s seat at the table can no longer be taken for granted. European security no longer appears to be a priority for the US administration.

Against this backdrop, it is unsurprising that questions of European security and defence are glued to the top of the political agenda. EU leaders have sought to project unity, but have so far not been able to muster a convincing and unified response to Washington’s actions. Behind the scenes, the situation is frayed: EU Member States are at odds on crucial issues, including financing and procurement of additional military capabilities. It remains uncertain, if and how Europe could guarantee Ukraine’s security, as divisions are emerging on the issue of sending European troops to safeguard a potential agreement.

With security at the heart of its programme, the Polish EU Council Presidency faces several pressing challenges:

• Strengthening the EU’s defence industrial base to enhance the bloc’s capacity for independent arms production.
• Forging a common position on military procurement to ensure better coordination among member states and avoid fragmented, inefficient spending.
• Securing sustainable financing solutions for European defence initiatives to enable long-term strategic planning and investment.

Solutions to these difficult issues are in high demand. Therefore, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung invites you to join our upcoming webinar and take stock of the Polish EU Council Presidency’s efforts, explore key areas of contention, and discuss potential paths forward.

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

Your Participation in the event

 
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» Livestream
Alternatively, you can follow the event via the livestream without registering.