Unlocking Europe's Defense Potential: The Case for a Common and Innovative Market

As Europe faces mounting challenges—from the growing security threat posed by Russia to shifting US interests—the need for cohesive, forward-looking defence investment has rarely been greater. This conference will explore the evolving landscape of European defense, with a particular focus on the common defense market and innovation partnerships.

The event will feature two expert panels:

Panel I: Balancing Ambition and Pragmatism in the Creation of the EU’s Defense Market

This panel will explore the potential for closer industrial cooperation to address Europe’s defense capability gaps. The discussion, based on the findings of “The New EU Defence Agenda: Moving Towards a Single Market for the Arms Sector”, a Polish Institute of International Affairs report released in November, will cover the impact of military threats, the effectiveness of mobilising funding and investment prioritisation, and support mechanisms for European defense industries. Achieving a balance between the rapid replenishment of capabilities and long-term European defense objectives will be a focus of the conversation.

Panel II: Unleashing Europe’s Defence Tech Potential

The Kremlin’s war of aggression against Ukraine and, more recently, violations of European airspace by Russian drones and jets have made European action to improve defense tech innovation necessary. Three measures are already underway to do this. First the EU has raised €150 billion in loans for defense and technology, including artificial intelligence, through the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) Fund. Second, EU member states are expanding their own national efforts to spur innovation. Third, NATO has launched the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic.

The panel will discuss the state of play of Europe’s emerging defense tech ecosystem, identify current gaps in strategy and resources, and recommend potential policy options. It will also draw lessons learned from relevant US experience and highlight practices that Europe should adopt.

Together, the panels aim to provide insight into the direction in which European defense is headed—and the roles of strategic cooperation, market reform, and innovation in that journey.

A networking cocktail will follow the panel discussions.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Permanent Representation of Poland to the EU and the Brussels Office of the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM).