Programme 2017

Welcome Dinner

Welcome address by Jüri Ratas, Prime Minister, Estonia

Opening session

Keynote speech by Kersti Kaljulaid, President of Estonia

Discussion “European Defence Cooperation – Out of the Shadows?” with

Philippe Errera, Director General for International Relations and Strategy,  

Ministry of Armed Forces, France  

Jüri Luik, Minister of Defence, Estonia

Jan Salestrand, State Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Sweden

Moderated by Sven Sakkov, Director, International Centre for Defence and Security

Panel I – Getting More Serious about European Defence?

After years of soul-searching and modest success, EU defence cooperation seems to have taken some steps forward. With some supporting the idea of EU strategic autonomy, some advocating multiple-speed European defence cooperation such as through PESCO, and some more concerned with the internal-external security nexus, Europe is facing a key question of principle: should EU defence cooperation be driven by unity or effectiveness? And what is the best way to achieve these? With many options on the table, politicians have to decide how to create more added value in defence for European citizens before the present momentum is lost.

Daniel Fiott, Security and Defence Editor, European Union Institute for Security Studies

Mihnea Motoc, Deputy Head of European Political Strategy Centre, European Commission

Ciaran Murphy, Defence Policy Director, Department of Defence, Ireland

Pedro Serrano, Deputy Secretary General, European External Action Service

Moderated by Žaneta Ozoliņa, Professor, University of Latvia

Panel II – Resources and Political Will – It Takes Two to Tango

In the 21^st century, Europeans have, until recently, believed themselves to be living in a period of long-lasting peace and harmony. Now, politicians need to convince voters to support the ideas of spending more and spending better on defence. Credible military capabilities, in particular for higher-spectrum military tasks, come with a real price tag and demand long-term commitments in development and procurement. Motivating Member States to contribute and cooperate more is more important than ever.  Can CSDP be a driver for Member States to invest in military capabilities? What specific capacities and military capabilities do we need for CSDP to tackle current and future challenges?

Jorge Domecq, Chief Executive, European Defence Agency

Pascal Heyman, Diplomatic Director of the Minister of Defence of Belgium, and Defence Policy Director

General Mikhail Kostarakos, Chairman of the European Union Military Committee

Christian Mölling, Deputy Director, Research Institute, German Council on Foreign Relations

Moderated by Tony Lawrence, Research fellow, International Centre for Defence and Security

Panel III – CSDP in 2025 – Quo vadis?

What are the limits of European defence cooperation? There seems to be an appetite to turn the EU into a credible defence actor, including through the use of hard power and military force. We have witnessed the revival of discussions about a European army. Some advocate the establishment of an EU military headquarters. EU-NATO cooperation might take unexpected turns, such as the use of EU tools to allow military freedom of movement. Further, the EU’s security and defence relations with the United Kingdom and the United States will enter uncharted waters.

Timo S. Koster, Director Defence Policy and Capabilities, NATO

Frédéric Mauro, Lawyer at the bars of Paris and Brussels, Adviser on European defence

Rear Admiral Jürgen zur Mühlen, Director Security Policy Department I, Ministry of Defence, Germany

Nathalie Tocci, Director of Istituto Affari Internazionali and Special Adviser to EU HRVP Federica Mogherini

Moderated by Dr. Margarita Šešelgytė, Studies Director, Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University