ABCD 2017

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.

Speakers

Daniel Fiott

Security and Defence Editor, EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS)

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

Moderator

Žaneta Ozoliņa

Professor, University of Latvia

European Defence Cooperation – Out of the Shadows?

Resources and Political Will – It Takes Two to Tango