MSC25 Side Event: Europe Panel on the European Defence Union


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14 Feb, 2025

EFA365

Learn more about our official Side Event at the Munich Security Conference 2025!

A Vision for Europe's Security and Defence

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.

Impressions from the event

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Credits: MSC/Jan Zappner

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EFA25 from 16-29 August

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:

  • "Europe in the World Days": Geopolitical Realignment: Asserting Europe's Role in a Contested World of Power Politics
  • "Austria in Europe Days": Towards a European Defence Union: Goals, Roles and Responsibilities

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.”

Programme

Welcome and Introduction

The evening started with a warm welcome by:

  • Othmar Karas, Former Vice-President European Parliament, President European Forum Alpbach
  • José Manuel Barroso, Former President of the European Commission

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:

  • Raising public defence expenditure to 3-4% of GDP.
  • Utilizing dual-use technologies (AI, satellites, drones) to boost competitiveness.
  • Coordinating EU defence budgets and procurement for efficiency and impact.

Speakers:

  • Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defence & Space
  • Ronja Kempin, Senior Fellow Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik
  • Klaus Welle, Chairman Academic Council Wilfried-Martens Center, Board Member EFA
  • Markus Pflitsch, CEO Terraquantum

Moderator:

  • Antonella Mei-Pochtler, Vice-President EFA, Chairwoman of Investment Committee Generali Group, followed by open discussion

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:

  • Stimulating growth through investments in dual-use technologies.
  • Completing the single market, including banking and capital market integration.
  • Addressing demographic challenges with skilled immigration strategies.

Speakers:

  • José Manuel Barroso, Former President of the European Commission
  • Klaus Hommels, Founder & Chairman, Lakestar / Chairman, NATO Innovation Fund
  • Paul Achleitner, Chairman Global Advisory Board Deutsche Bank
  • Gundbert Scherf, CEO Helsing

Moderator:

  • Gabor Steingard, Founder and Publisher of The Pioneer, followed by open discussion

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:

  • Encouraging private investment through regulatory incentives.
  • Leveraging public financing, including EIB and ESM-type mechanisms.
  • Enhancing efficiency through coordinated EU defence spending.

Speakers:

  • Hristo Stoykov, Director European Investment Bank
  • Franziska Gerathewohl, Head of Alternative Investments & Asset Manager Selection Munich Re-Group
  • Andreas Treichl, Chairman Erste Foundation

Moderator:

  • Klaus Regling, Former Managing Director of European Stability Mechanism (ESM), followed by open discussion

Closing & Munich Declaration Announcement

The evening was concluded with insights from:

  • José Manuel Barroso, Former President of the European Commission
  • Klaus Regling, Former Managing Director of ESM
  • Martin Schoeller, Board Member of The Bavarian Family Entrepreneurs Association
The event culminated with the presentation of the "Munich Declaration," summarizing outcomes and key findings.