Investing in European Defence : A Race Towards Readiness

As the European Union faces conflict at its doorstep, military and hybrid threats, a changing transatlantic dynamic, etc. investing in defence is no longer optional, it has become mandatory. Following the 2025 Hague Summit, NATO allies committed to allocate 5% of their GDP to defence and security by 2035. But with more constrained national budgets and political fragmentation within the EU Member States, increasing military expenditures could be challenging.

Investing in defence highlights a deep tension : the balance between short-term imperatives—whether emerging threats or strategic disengagements—and the need for a long-term vision, which is essential to rebuilding robust defensive autonomy.

How can we address short-term defence challenges with long-term investment and strategy?  

Chaired by MEP Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, and moderated by Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, this event will bring together key public and private decision-makers to discuss the financing, industrial, and strategic levers needed to strengthen Europe’s defence readiness.

🎙️ Among the speakers:
• Herald Ruijters, Deputy Director-General of DG DEFIS at the European Commission
• prof. Marta Postuła, Vice-President of Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK)
• Thomas Ribéreau, Partner at Argos Fund
• Isabelle Maelcamp, Sustainability Director at Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD)

They will share concrete perspectives on public investment, private capital mobilisation, and industrial capacity in the defence sector. You will also have the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers during a dedicated Q&A session.

⚠️ Registrations for participants without an European Parliament access badge, are now closed. If you have an access badge, you can still register.