SEDE ICM on 'The Future of European Defence', 3-4 December 2025, Brussels

The ICM brought together MEPs and members of national parliaments to discuss the future of the EU's security and defence in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine and increased burden shifting towards Europe within the transatlantic alliance.

SEDE Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmerman called for a unified European defence pillar alongside NATO. Her remarks were echoed by President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, who emphasised the need to accelerate support for Ukraine, enhance deterrence, address duplication, and boost recruitment.

During the panel on the Readiness Roadmap 2030 and Europe's defence industry, Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, called for stronger EU leadership to overcome fragmentation. The discussion showed broad agreement on the need for unity, while also highlighting challenges such as manpower shortages, uneven defence spending, and possible closer cooperation with partners.

In the panel on the new era of warfare, Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, explained that NATO's 5% defence pledge aims to ensure greater resilience, and called for faster military production, particularly of drones. MEPs and members of national parliaments raised concerns about Europe's preparedness for a potential Russian attack.

The panel on strengthening the European pillar of NATO featured Boris Ruge, NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Security Policy. He argued that European allies have been slow to increase defence spending, although supporting Ukraine remains a strategic priority. During the subsequent discussion, participants raised concerns including fears of US-Russia cooperation and questions about the extent to which the EU can or should act independently of NATO allies.

During the panel on 'Europe's Defence at a Turning Point', Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß of the European External Action Service warned that Russia's war of aggression is generating new security risks, including closer ties with hostile states and the spread of sensitive technologies. The discussion reflected divisions over militarisation, the role of non-NATO EU members, and Europe's strategic autonomy.

In her concluding remarks, Ms Strack-Zimmerman warned that maintaining Europe's unity is essential to ensuring our collective security.