Opening the event, CESI President Romain Wolff set out to stress how the global geo-political context is currently affected by a complex mix of armed conflicts, effects of extreme weather conditions as well as migration and inflation – and how Member States need to step up efforts in their defence policies in the face of this polycrisis, while at the same time not jeopardising climate change mitigation.

The 7th EDRT offered diverse insights and expertise on the subject matter, featuring a lineup of distinguished speakers and experts – from military leaders to policy makers, politicians, academics and representatives of industry and international organisations.

Elena Lazarou, representing the European Parliament Research Service, offered a unique assessment of the so-called climate-security nexus, the need to bring together effective European security and defence cooperation with climate protection measures.

MEP Lukas Mandl evaluated the current grim global geo-political situation and the threats to democracy in Europe, but also identified some positive “new beginnings” or progress in efforts to further build the European Defence Union. He also acknowledged the advancement of new defence efforts at national level in some EU Member States.

Fabian Zuleeg, CEO of the Brussels think tank European Policy Centre (EPC), explained his view of a “progress illusion” when assessing the current state of permacrisis which the EU is facing, and identified climate change as “the biggest threat we are facing.” He raised awareness on the potentially far-reaching negative impacts of upcoming elections in the EU and the USA for the war efforts of Ukraine, should populist forces win them.

Jean Asselborn, former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Luxembourg, navigated the complexities of international politics and global dynamics, with direct reference to the hard decisions that Member States need to take to strengthen EU’s capacity for deterrence.

Thomas Sohst, representing CESI’s member DBwV (the German Armed Forces Association) and acting in his role as President of the CESI’s statutory Expert Commission ‘Defence’, put forward the need for reinforced support for Ukraine: “Supporting Ukraine is needed so that the war is not lost – regardless on what happens on other fronts. With elections in the USA that may cause a halt in US support in Europe, the EU needs to step up investments in its defence capabilities. Financial resources for the armed forces need to be significantly increased. If production facilities for defence equipment and consumables are expanded, European armed forces would save resources in the long term – financially and in terms of personnel. This is important to consider as armed forces in European countries have not only a financial problem but also a problem of new recruitment of staff.”

Emmanuel Jacob, President of EUROMIL, joined to request more solidarity and unity concerning the concept of European Armed Forces and a more strategic approach to joint EU defence.

CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger concluded the event by highlighting the magnitude of challenges that the EU is facing, and stressed the need for a visionary approach to them: “We might not be able to preserve everything we have at the moment but one thing is for sure: If we do not retain democracy and security, then we will not be able to defend ourselves against other aggressions and the fundamental values of our European societies. We need serious investments in our armies and capabilities to make the European Defence Union a palpable European project.”

Through forthcoming further EDRT events, CESI ensages to encourage stakeholders and decision makers in the area of defence to continue dialogue, implement concrete action plans, and drive forward initiatives to strengthen European security – and its adaptability plans for greening the defence sector too. According to CESI, the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, the recent breakthrough in European financial support for the country, and reflections on upcoming US elections underscore the importance of solidarity, cooperation, investments and democracy in Europe, and of keeping a united front against aggressors for the preservation of freedom, values and peace on the continent.