Seminar on the future of European security
An Outlook on the Commission Von der Leyen II
On Thursday, 12 December 2024, the Clingendael Institute and Egmont Institute organised a high-level seminar to explore European security and defence under the Commission Von der Leyen II. This event brought together leading experts, policymakers, and military officials to discuss strategic ambitions and actionable policies for the next five years.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ambassador Pierre Gillon, Belgium’s Permanent Representative to the EU’s Political and Security Committee, and Sven Biscop, Director of the Europe in the World Programme at the Egmont Institute. François Arbault, Director for Defence Industry at DG DEFIS at the European Commission, delivered a keynote address titled “The Future of European Defence: Strategic Ambitions and Realities”. His speech provided a forward-looking perspective, including insights into the upcoming publication of the White Paper on the Future of European Defence.
The seminar featured a panel discussion titled "Navigating the Future: Are Europe’s Defence Ambitions Sufficient?", moderated by Dick Zandee, Head of Security & Defence Programme (Clingendael Institute) with contributions from:
- Tania Latici, Political Officer Peace, Security and Defence (European External Action Service)
- Daniel Fiott, Head of Defence and Statecraft Programme (Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy, Brussels School of Governance)
- Wouter Jurgens, Director of Security Policy (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Discussions focused on the EU’s strategic objectives, the EU’s role in security and defence, the support to Ukraine, the challenges of increasing European military capabilities and the ramping up defence industrial production.
