Conference: Reimagining European Defence
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The keynote speeches have been recorded. Watch the video.
European security is under growing pressure. The ongoing war at Europe’s borders, increasing hybrid threats, and sabotage in the Baltic Sea and North Sea underline the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s defence foundation.
We are pleased to welcome EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius and The Netherlands Chief of Defence, Onno Eichelsheim as keynote speakers.
Important steps have already been taken: national defence investments are increasing, the European defence industry is scaling up, and European countries are working closely together to enhance capabilities under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).However, credible deterrence requires more. Support from transatlantic partners remains essential, but Europe needs to step up. With the NATO Summit taking place in The Hague at the end of June, this event offers a timely opportunity to look ahead.
What is the way forward for a well-functioning internal market for defence procurement, a strong innovation capacity, sustainable support for Ukraine, and the protection of critical infrastructure throughout Europe? How do we improve resilience and operational readiness, and how does this new role for Europe fit into the Atlantic Alliance?
We will explore these key questions about the future of European Defence in three panel discussions:
- The future of the European defence pillar – strategic insights
- The building blocks for European defence: defence industry, innovation, and financing
- European defence in the Transatlantic context
We aim to foster a lively debate and encourage your questions, reflections, and insights.
The conference is co-organised with the Representation of the European Commission in the Netherlands.
Programme
12:30 | All visitors must arrive for security check
13:00-13:15 | Opening by Klasja van de Ridder, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in the Netherlands and Monika Sie Dhian Ho, Director of Clingendael Institute
13:15-14:15 | Keynote speeches by Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space and Onno Eichelsheim, Chief of Defence of the Netherlands Armed Forces
Moderation and Q&A by Louise van Schaik, Head of EU & Global Affairs, Clingendael Institute
14:15-14:45 | Break
14:45-15:30 | Panel I: Future of the European Defence Pillar – strategic insights
- Bart Groothuis, Member of European Parliament
- Professor Sarah Wolff, Professor in International Studies and Global Politics, Leiden University
- Tom de Bruijn, Former Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the EU and Former Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation / Foreign Affairs
- Ester Sabatino, The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
Moderation by Louise van Schaik, Head of EU & Global Affairs, Clingendael Institute
15:30-16:15 | Panel II: The building blocks for European Defence? Defence industry, innovation, and financing
- Vassilis Theodosopoulos, ASD - European Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries
- Chantal Schrijver, Head of European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Office the Netherlands
- Ingrid de Caluwé, Thales
- Sean White, European Defence Agency (EDA)
Moderation by Dick Zandee, Senior Research Fellow, Defence and Security, Clingendael Institute
16:15-16:45 | Break
16:45-17:30 | Panel III: European Defence in the Transatlantic context
- Anna van Zoest, Director Atlantische Commissie / Netherlands Atlantic Association
- Luis Simon, Royal Elcano Institute
- Derk Boswijk, Member of Parliament
Moderation by Rem Korteweg, Senior Research Fellow Clingendael Institute
17:30-19:00 | Closing reception
Important information
The event will take place on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, from 13:00 - 17:30 (closing reception till 19:00) CET at Nieuwspoort in The Hague.
- All visitors are requested to arrive by 12:30 for the security check.
- Bring valid proof of your identity (driver's license, passport or ID card).
- The Nieuwspoort entrance is located on the other side of the main entrance of the House of Representatives building.
