The future of the European Defence Union in the context of multiple crisis: What are the new coordinates post Covid 19?

During the COVID-19 pandemic European armed forces have proven to be an indispensable resource for societies: from the transport of patients, medical equipment, medicines and vaccines, to the provision of medical assistance, the enforcement of lockdown measures and the maintenance of public safety and order.

Furthermore, and considering the multiple geopolitical crises and challenges, security and defence issues will remain a decisive element for the political and economic future of the EU.

The EU is under pressure to deliver progress in the European Defence Union (EDU). Support of citizens is strong and a window of opportunity is given, while at the same time, the complexity and lack of transparency endangers the process.

The meeting therefore aims at exploring the next steps needed for the establishment of a genuine European Defence Union. And it should also illuminate ways for a more inclusive approach in EU defence policy making, based on prior engagement and consultation with military and civilian personnel.

With the participation of:

• Klaus Heeger, CESI Secretary-General
• Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, EPP
• Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament, member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, EPP
• NN, European External Action Service (tbc)
• Thomas Sohst, President of Trade Council Defence of CESI and member of German Federal Armed Forces Association
• Elena Lazarou, European Parliament Research Service, Acting Head of the External Policies Unit
• Raluca Csernatoni, Visiting Scholar at Carnegie Europe and guest professor at the Institute for European Studies

If you wish to participate, please register here https://forms.gle/y2TVCUqNuJMKiVGJ6 .

The event will be moderated by Raluca Radescu and it is part of CESI’s ongoing EU co-funded PULSER project which focuses on capacity-building and support for performing public services and public services personnel in Europe.

The event will take place in EN & DE.

Photo by the European Defence Agency