Europe is today at a crucial stage in defining its strategic autonomy. The war in Ukraine, instability on the eastern and southern borders, tensions with global players such as Russia and China, and uncertainty about the future of the transatlantic alliance have prompted the European Union to give urgent thought to its role in security and defence. But what does it mean, in concrete terms, to build a European defence policy?
This meeting intends to analyze the topic from three interconnected perspectives: costs, political-strategic objectives, and industrial and technological implications. Increasing defense spending at European level implies not only a quantitative change, but also a qualitative one: we need coordination between Member States, common planning capacity, interoperability and a shared strategy.
The objectives are manifold: to strengthen the credibility of the EU as a global player, to ensure protection for European citizens, to contribute to international stability and to reduce dependence on external suppliers, including in the field of sensitive technologies.
But this transformation also has a strong economic-industrial dimension. A common defence policy is an opportunity to consolidate the European armaments industry, stimulate technological innovation, strengthen strategic supply chains and create highly skilled jobs. However, it also raises questions about governance, transparency, democratic control and compatibility with the founding values of the Union.
Through dialogue between institutions, security experts, industry representatives and academics, the panel will offer a critical reflection on how Europe can move from a defensive dependence to an autonomous strategic capacity, without renouncing the principles of peace, cooperation and international responsibility.
Introducing: Marta Dassù e Roberto Menotti, co-direttori Aspenia
Andrea Gilli, Studi Strategici, University St Andrews
Giorgio Cella, Fondazione Med-Or
