Europe on the Path to a defence union?

The current security policy challenges and Europe’s strategic future were the focus of the high-level panel discussion "Europe on the Way to a Defence Union? Challenges and Perspectives for Europe's Security Policy" on 30 January 2025 in Vienna. At the event, initiated by Club Alpbach Tirol and Club Alpbach Upper Austria in cooperation with the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) and the European Parliament Liaison Office as part of EFA365, Helmut Brandstätter (MEP) and Velina Tchakarova (geopolitical expert and member of the EFA Scientific Advisory Board) debated with over 200 attendees. The event was moderated by Antonia Rauth (Der Standard).

The discussion highlighted current threats and geopolitical developments that pose significant challenges to Europe’s defence policy. The "Risk Picture 2025" from the Ministry of Defence served as the basis for an in-depth analysis of Europe’s security situation. Special focus was placed on the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the strategic consequences for the European Union. The Panelists emphasized the need for a unified European security strategy to counter the fragmented geopolitical order.

"Europe is too preoccupied with itself while a war is happening on our continent over the second-largest country in Europe. Russia will use all means up to the threshold of conventional war," summarized Velina Tchakarova.

In his opening remarks, Othmar Karas, President of the European Forum Alpbach, emphasised the importance of the European Defence Union as a vision and response to current security policy challenges. He stressed that this issue would be further developed as a central focus within the Security Track leading up to the Forum in August.

Particular attention was given to China’s role in the global shift of power and the strategic implications of the new U.S. presidency under Donald Trump. The participants agreed that Europe must rely less on external protectors and build up its own defence capabilities. "We need to act as Europeans so that we do not become the geopolitical backyard and object of geopolitics. Europe has the financial and economic resources for this," said Tchakarova. The appointment of an EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, as well as the creation of a separate committee for Security and Defence Policy in the European Parliament, were seen as important steps in this direction. Moreover, Poland, as chairman of the EU Council in the first half of 2025, has set security as a clear priority on the European agenda. Positive developments, as Helmut Brandstätter emphasised, because "we can face the challenges if we openly address what the EU can currently do, what it should be able to do, and derive the right conclusions from this."

Another central topic was Austria’s special role as a neutral country within the European security framework. In particular, the importance of the European mutual defence obligation and rising defence spending was discussed. The question of building a European defence industry and the related social and economic challenges was another focus of the discussion. Brandstätter: "Honesty is indispensable in this debate. Higher defence spending is necessary. Peace and freedom will require investment, even if it is unpopular."

The event was part of the EFA365 initiative, where the European Forum Alpbach organises discussions throughout the year in Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, and other cities. The goal is to deepen key security policy topics continuously, preparing for the Forum's debates in August.

In the Security Track, global challenges from geopolitical shifts and the war in Ukraine are the focus. Among other topics, the following will be addressed during EFA25:

• "Europe in the World Days": Geopolitical Realignment: Asserting Europe's Role in a Contested World of Power Politics

• "Austria in Europe Days": Towards a European Defence Union: Goals, Roles and Responsibilities

Under the theme “Recharge Europe,” the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) will use its 80th anniversary in 2025 as a starting point for tangible visions. “Europe is currently experiencing more simultaneous crises than it has since 1945. That is why we need a bold vision that makes Europe more competitive, more capable, and more innovative,” explains EFA President Othmar Karas about the 2025 theme. “Under the motto Recharge Europe, we want to equip Europe with new energy for the upcoming challenges, so that the EU can once again take a leading global role.” For more information about EFA25, visit www.alpbach.org/efa25.

For many years, the EFA has connected former scholarship holders worldwide through so-called Alpbach Clubs or initiative groups. These groups represent the Forum and are responsible for both awarding scholarships and organising various events throughout the year.

The Alpbach Clubs provide young, engaged, and interested individuals with the opportunity to participate in the European Forum Alpbach through scholarships. The application period for scholarships for EFA starts in March, and applications can be made through the regional Clubs or directly through EFA. The scholarships cover accommodation in Alpbach, access to all events on-site, and ensure an unforgettable experience.

For more information: https://www.alpbach.org/fan