Learn more about our official Side Event at the Munich Security Conference 2025!
On the occasion of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), the European Forum Alpbach (EFA), United Europe (UE), and the Bavarian Family Entrepreneurs Association hosted a successful Official Side Event on the evening before the MSC opening. This exclusive gathering explored Europe’s evolving security and defence priorities with high-profile speakers and distinguished guests.
The evening began with a keynote address by José Manuel Barroso and Othmar Karas, followed by three thought-provoking sessions featuring short keynotes, moderated discussions, and open exchanges with attendees.
The backdrop of the event is one of urgency. The war in Ukraine has dramatically shifted the security landscape. The belief that peace is guaranteed, and that others will always protect Europe, is no longer viable. As the world changes, the question for Europe is not whether it must take responsibility for its own defence, but how quickly and effectively it can do so.
"We cannot afford to wait and hope for the best—we must prepare. A European Defence Union is no longer just an idea. It is a necessity", states EFA President Othmar Karas in his opening speech.
Three panels explored critical steps on the path towards a European Defence Union:
1. Building a European Defence Union: This panel explored the strategic importance of a European Defence Union and the necessary steps to turn commitments into concrete action.
2. Creating Economic Foundations: This discussion addressed how to sustain defense investments.
3. Mobilizing Financial Resources: Panelists discussed the need for both public and private capital to support Europe’s defence ambitions.
A European perspective was central to the event’s discussions. As EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius and other experts on competitiveness and financing shared their insights, they reinforced the urgent need to establish a European Defence Union and build the foundations that will ensure its success. The event explored not just the strategic and military dimensions of European security but also the economic and financial mechanisms required to make the Defence Union a reality.
The event made clear that Europe cannot afford to rely solely on others for its defence. Europe must not be a passive observer of global security, but an active shaper of its future. The event at the Munich Security Conference was an important step in driving the momentum for this necessary transformation.
The Security Track at the European Forum Alpbach 2025 will also focus on the topics of the event as it covers global challenges from geopolitical shifts and the war in Ukraine. These are the topics of the Security Track at the EFA25:
Under the theme “Recharge Europe,” the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) will use its 80th anniversary in 2025 as a starting point for tangible visions. “Europe is currently experiencing more simultaneous crises than it has since 1945. That is why we need a bold vision that makes Europe more competitive, more capable, and more innovative,” explains EFA President Othmar Karas about the 2025 theme. “Under the motto Recharge Europe, we want to equip Europe with new energy for the upcoming challenges, so that the EU can once again take a leading global role.”
Welcome and Introduction
The evening started with a warm welcome by:
Part 1: European Defence Union – Strength, Peace, and Freedom
This session explored how Europe can enhance its military capabilities to secure autonomy and peace. The keynote focused on:
Speakers:
Moderator:
Part 2: Europe’s Competitiveness, Growth, and Strength: To Protect Europe’s Autonomy and Sovereignty
To safeguard sovereignty, Europe must strengthen economic resilience. This session examined:
Speakers:
Moderator:
Part 3: Financing. More Investments and Higher Military Expenditures Require More Private and Public Financing
Addressing Europe’s ambitious defence goals requires innovative financing strategies. This session discussed:
Speakers:
Moderator:
Closing & Munich Declaration Announcement
The evening was concluded with insights from: