25 Mar Discussion on the future of European Defence in Brussels

On March 17, IRSEM Europe hosted a high-level discussion in collaboration with EUROPEUM and the Think Visegrad platform, focusing on the future of European defense amid ongoing geopolitical shifts. The event featured experts Aleksandra Kozioł (PISM), Juraj Majcin (European Policy Centre), Federica Mangiameli (GLOBSEC), and Daniel Bartha (CEID). Philippe Perchoc, Director of IRSEM Europe, opened the discussion, moderated by Danielle Piatkiewicz (EUROPEUM).

The discussion addressed the challenges and opportunities of European strategic autonomy, particularly in Central Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and uncertainties in transatlantic relations have exposed structural weaknesses in European defense. As highlighted at the Munich Security Conference, Europe must reduce its reliance on U.S. security guarantees. In response, the European Commission has placed defense at the core of its 2024-2029 agenda, recently presenting a European Defense White Paper.

Key discussions centered on the balance between national sovereignty and European integration in defense policy. Experts also examined the evolving defense industries in Central European countries, including Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary, within this shifting geopolitical landscape.