- Bernd Posselt criticises “coalitions of the willing” in the European Union
- Hybrid threats and existential challenges for the future of Europe
- The testimony of Ukraine and the need for a sovereign Europe
- Roundtable on security and defence at Airbus headquarters in Manching
- The Danube region as an engine for European integration
The gathering brought together political, academic, and military representatives, alongside members of the Pan-European movement, to debate in depth the future of Europe, the war in Ukraine, common European defence, and strategic cooperation in the Danube region.
Bernd Posselt criticises “coalitions of the willing” in the European Union
One of the main figures was Bernd Posselt, President of the Pan-European Union of Germany, who criticised the German Government’s tendency to act through “coalitions of the willing” rather than strengthening European Union institutions.
He pointed out the negotiations on Ukraine held in London as an example, where both major EU nations and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, were reportedly sidelined. Although he acknowledged that acting outside standard procedures may be necessary in emergency situations, he argued that this should not become a permanent practice.
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas – REUTERS/YVES HERMAN
Posselt called for a phased plan leading to a much deeper integration of Europe, pointing towards a hypothetical “United States of Europe”, with a European Defence Union as the first step.
He also advocated for the abolition of the veto right of member states in foreign and security policy, taking advantage of the political change in Hungary following Viktor Orbán’s electoral defeat. Domestically, he demanded a firmer response against the AfD and other nationalist movements, even raising the possibility of banning the party if necessary to safeguard European democracy.
Bernd Posselt, President of the Sudeten German Association – REUTERS/ LEONHARD FOEGER
Hybrid threats and existential challenges for the future of Europe
Sebastian Roloff, a leader of the Bavarian SPD, stated that the historic message of the Pan-European movement remains relevant: “Europe is the answer”. He highlighted the massive potential of the EU as a space of 450 million citizens, one of the world’s largest economies, and a powerful legal community. However, he warned that Europe simultaneously faces external and internal threats. According to him, Russia’s war against Ukraine is accompanied by a hybrid war involving disinformation, sabotage, and attempts at social polarisation, while various European nationalist movements weaken the Union’s capacity to act.
For his part, the International President of Paneurope, Pavo Barišić, maintained that Europe is facing an existential challenge comparable to that of the years following the First World War.
Drawing inspiration from the theories of historian Arnold Toynbee, he stated that civilisations survive only when they successfully respond to the challenges they face. In his view, the EU has the opportunity today to establish itself as one of the leading powers in the new multipolar world order, but to achieve this it must resolutely strengthen its foreign and defence policy.
Gordan Grlic Radman, Croatia’s Minister for Foreign and European Affairs – REUTERS/ANTONIO BRONIC
The testimony of Ukraine and the need for a sovereign Europe
One of the most powerful testimonies came from Ukrainian historian Ihor Zhaloba, President of Paneurope Ukraine and a former volunteer on the frontline. He described the suffering of the Ukrainian population and stressed that the lack of sufficient military support in 2022 prevented a potential Russian defeat.
He believes that during 2026 a new window of opportunity could open for Ukraine to force a favourable end to the war, though he warned of the immense human toll suffered by combatants. He also highlighted the innovative capacity achieved by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, particularly in the use of new technologies and drones.
The speeches also revealed a highly critical view towards Russia, China, and even recent developments in the United States. Dirk H. Voß, Vice President of Paneuropa International, argued that Europe must become a sovereign power capable of acting independently against pressures from Moscow, Beijing, and Washington. According to him, only deeper political integration will allow Europe to defend its interests.
Roundtable on security and defence at Airbus headquarters in Manching
The second major part of the event took place at the Airbus facilities in Manching, which hosted a roundtable on defence. Matthias Nitsche, an Airbus executive, explained that the FCAS project should not be understood merely as a fighter jet, but as a complex network of manned and unmanned systems. He also reaffirmed the essentially European and Franco-German nature of the company.
A Eurofighter Typhoon during the presentation and handover of the 100th Eurofighter to the German Air Force at the headquarters of the Cassidian Military Air Systems Centre in Manching, near Ingolstadt, southern Germany, in this archive photo dated 28 February 2013 – REUTERS/MICHAELA REHLE
During the debate, several participants argued for the strengthening of European military capabilities. German MP Thomas Erndl called for joint armament projects between Germany, France, and Poland, as well as some form of mandatory social or military service to increase the number of reservists. Retired Austrian Brigadier Gerald Karner demanded a much firmer stance towards Russia and advocated for a European defence with genuine deterrent capacity.
The Polish Ambassador to Germany, Jan Tombiński, stated that Europe is experiencing a “third foundational moment” regarding security and defence. In his view, a future European army will not emerge from abstract declarations, but from concrete projects and shared experiences.
In the same vein, German General Christian Friedl supported some form of compulsory service to reinforce the armed forces, noting that it remains paradoxical that 450 million Europeans still depend on 350 million Americans to guarantee their security.
The Spanish representative, Carlos Uriarte Sánchez, President of Paneuropa Spain, highlighted the difference between the social mobilisation in Ukraine and the situation in Russia, arguing that Europe must make it clear that any use of tactical nuclear weapons would have severe consequences for Moscow. He also insisted that China must understand that military action against Taiwan would incur significant costs, defending the preservation of the status quo through dialogue.
Queen Silvia of Sweden holds the Bavarian State Medal for Social Merit, which was awarded to her, whilst standing alongside the Minister-President of Bavaria, Markus Söder, and the Bavarian Minister for Labour and Social Affairs, Ulrike Scharf, during her visit to Munich, Germany, on 17 December 2025 – REUTERS/ HEIKO BECKER
The Danube region as an engine for European integration
The conference also dedicated special attention to the Danube region as an engine for European integration. The Croatian Foreign Minister, Gordan Grlić Radman, stressed that the EU strategy for this region fosters both European cohesion and the integration of candidate countries seeking accession.
The Vice President of Bavaria, Ulrike Scharf, recalled the legacy of the founder of the Pan-European movement, Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi, and stated that Europe must reaffirm itself as a community of values, freedom, and a shared destiny.
Altogether, the sessions conveyed an unequivocal message: in the face of current geopolitical threats, participants believe the answer lies in a more integrated Europe, with greater military capacity, a stronger common foreign policy, and a progressive overcoming of the limits of national states in favour of a true European political union.