MSC25 Side Event: Europe Panel on the European Defence Union

• Date: 13 February 2025
• Time: 5.30 until 9.30 p.m.
• Location: Munich Security Conference, Königsaal at Hotel Bayrischer Hof, Munich

On the occasion of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), the European Forum Alpbach (EFA), United Europe (UE), and the Bavarian Family Entrepreneurs Association proudly host an Official Side Event on the evening before the MSC opening. This exclusive gathering will explore Europe’s evolving security and defence priorities with high-profile speakers and distinguished guests.

The evening begins with a keynote address by José Manuel Barroso, followed by three thought-provoking sessions featuring short keynotes, moderated discussions, and open exchanges with attendees. The format ensures a comprehensive exploration of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing Europe.

Welcome and Introduction

Time: 5.30 - 6 p.m.

Kick off the evening with a warm welcome by:

• Wolfgang Schüssel (Co-Founder, United Europe)
• Othmar Karas (President, European Forum Alpbach)

Keynote Address:

• José Manuel Barroso (Former President of the European Commission)

Moderator:

• Antonella Mei-Pochtler

Session 1: European Defence Union – Strength, Peace, and Freedom

Time: 6 - 7 p.m.

Explore how Europe can enhance its military capabilities to secure autonomy and peace. Discussions will focus on:

• Raising public defence expenditure to 3-4% of GDP.
• Utilizing dual-use technologies (AI, satellites, drones) to boost competitiveness.
• Coordinating EU defence budgets and procurement for efficiency and impact.

Speakers Include:

• Andrius Kubilius (EU Commissioner for Defence & Space, invited)
• Agnes-Marie Strack-Zimmermann (German Member of Parliament, invited)
• Ronja Kempin (Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, confirmed)
• Klaus Welle (Wilfried-Martens Center, confirmed)
• Gen. Robert Brieger (Chairman, EU Military Committee, invited)

Moderator:

• Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook (Senior Advisor, Bertelsmann Stiftung, invited)

Session 2: Europe’s Competitiveness, Growth, and Strength

Time: 7 - 8 p.m.

To safeguard sovereignty, Europe must strengthen economic resilience. This session will examine:

• Stimulating growth through investments in dual-use technologies.
• Completing the single market, including banking and capital market integration.
• Addressing demographic challenges with skilled immigration strategies.

Speakers Include:

• Klaus Hommels (CEO, Lakestar, confirmed)
• Gundbert Scherf (CEO, Helsing, invited)
• Ann Mettler (Vice President for Europe, Breakthrough Energy, confirmed)

Moderator:

• Gabor Steingard (Founder, The Pioneer, invited)

Session 3: Financing Europe’s Security and Defence

Time: 8 - 9.15 p.m.

Addressing Europe’s ambitious defence goals requires innovative financing strategies. This session will discuss:

• Encouraging private investment through regulatory incentives.
• Leveraging public financing, including EIB and ESM-type mechanisms.
• Enhancing efficiency through coordinated EU defence spending.

Speakers Include:

• Paul Achleitner (Chairman, International Advisory Board Deutsche Bank, confirmed)
• Franziska Gerathewohl (Munich Re-Group, confirmed)
• Andreas Treichl (Former CEO, Erste Bank Austria, confirmed)

Moderator:

• Klaus Regling (Former Managing Director, European Stability Mechanism, confirmed)

Closing Remarks

Time: 9.15 - 9.30 p.m.

Conclude the evening with insights from:

• José Manuel Barroso (Former President of the European Commission)
• Martin Schoeller (The Bavarian Family Entrepreneurs Association)

The event will culminate with the presentation of the "Munich Recommendation," summarizing key outcomes and guiding future discussions on European security policy.

Attendance is limited to registered MSC participants (via the MSC system) and invited guests. For inquiries, please contact Christoph Girbinger at christoph.girbinger@alpbach.org.