Europe is confronting the most profound transformation of its security environment since the end of the Cold War. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, intensifying great power competition, technological advancements, and the ever-growing link between security and economics have challenged many of the assumptions that shaped European strategy over the past three decades. At the same time, political developments in the United States have reinforced questions about burden-sharing, and the future distribution of responsibilities within the Euro-Atlantic security architecture. Together, these developments are prompting the European Union to rethink how it defines security, and safeguards prosperity of its citizens. This panel explores how the EU is developing a more integrated approach to security, i.e., one that connects defence, economic resilience, industrial policy, trade and global partnerships. Rather than viewing security solely through a defence policy lens, the panel will examine how economic statecraft has become a central instrument of geopolitical competition and how the EU is seeking to translate its economic weight into strategic influence via its next generation partnership agreements. The discussion will also assess the evolution of Europe’s emerging security strategy, including the pursuit of greater capabilities, partnerships in the world, and efforts to strengthen Europe’s capacity to act. Particular attention will be paid to the implications for the United Kingdom, whose security interests remain deeply intertwined with those of its European neighbours despite Brexit.
The event is being held in room MAC 604, in the Macadam Building, King’s College London.