EPC Update & Post-summit Briefing: The future of European Defence – now for real?
YouTube, 05.02.2025
Online Briefing
This EPC Update discussed the outcome of the informal EU leaders retreat in Brussels on 3 February, where they discussed the future of European defence. Amid mounting calls for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence, European Council President Antonio Costa wanted the discussion to focus on developing defence capabilities, financing joint defence initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with non-EU partners in Europe.
Following decade-long debates, will Europeans finally be willing and able to assume greater responsibility by becoming a more resilient, more efficient and more autonomous defence actor? What kind of defence capabilities are needed? Will member states be ready to prioritise their development collaboratively? Will they agree to increase spending jointly on this and if so, how (via the EU budget or alternative funding resources within or outside the EU framework)? How can the partnerships with non-EU European partners, such as the UK, be deepened? And how will all this affect the relationship between the EU and NATO, in light of Trump 2.0?
Speakers: Janis A. Emmanouilidis, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Studies, European Policy Centre; Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive & Chief Economist, European Policy Centre
Moderator: Jacki Davis, Senior Adviser, European Policy Centre
Link to video on YouTube here
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