New threats and War in Europe: Directions, lessons and updated choices for European defence and security.

At a time where the EU witnesses the return of war in Europe, this session will take a look at the implementation of the Strategic Compass, six months after its formal approval, and the impact of this unprecedented context on the EU’s strategic perspective. Moreover, this session will reflect on the implementation of the Strategic Compass, from the key objectives to the concrete actions that have been undertaken so far, notably the Joint Communication on defence investment gaps analysis. On that occasion, panellists will also debate the European defence industrial outlook, reflecting on the implementation of the European Defence Fund.

This session will address the ways to decrease fragmentation and duplication of capabilities, with a specific highlight on the work undertaken by the EU’s Defence Joint Procurement Task Force and a view towards current and future initiatives such as the European Defence Fund, the short-term instrument (EDIRPA) and the expected European Defence Investment Programme Regulation.

This session will explore the ever-growing link between the space and defence domains, from a strategic and operational standpoint, while also focusing on dedicated applications. This session will also be the opportunity to take stock of the undergoing work on the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence.

This session will focus on how key technologies can support and strengthen European armed forces, such as artificial intelligence, big data, quantum computing, cybersecurity and so on. It will also provide a look at the possible synergies between civil and defence industries in this domain, as well as the support brought to R&D in emerging and disruptive technologies by existing and upcoming EU initiatives.

One-to-one dialogues with key personalities from the European defence and security landscape

One-to-one dialogues with key personalities from the European defence and security landscape

In this unprecedented geopolitical context, this session will examine ways that allow the securing of value chains, a crucial step in enabling the existence of a strong and autonomous European defence and security ecosystem. Moreover, this session will also look at the support provided to the ecosystem through financing and concrete tools, such as the announced CASSINI for defence initiative, which are key to bolster the EU's Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).