Conference – EU military framework and relations with NATO

“EU is not defending the continent, NATO is.”
We often hear that but is that really so simple?

Discussion on the EU military framework and relations with NATO, with:
– Dr. Ethan Corbin, Director of the Defense Committee at NATO’s parliamentary assembly,
– Coenraad Reumer, political advisor to the director general of the EU military staff

With the clear increase in European defence spending, the defence priority seems to be shifting away from simple coordination towards building a credible military defence of Europe by Europeans themselves. At the same time, renewed uncertainty around the U.S. commitment to NATO points to a potential rebalancing of transatlantic security. In this context, how can European defence frameworks be adopted and ensure credibility and resilience without redundancy with NATO?

Among the critical themes touched upon:
• How cooperation between European institutions can strengthen European defence
• How thresholds are applied in practice across different institutions and frameworks
• What lessons Ukraine teach us, and how these can inform and be institutionalised within European security structures

What made the evening stand out was the open and frank exchange between our speakers and the engaged discussion with our audience, both in person and online.

As the conference was held under the Chatham House Rule, the details stay where they belong- in the conference room. However, we can definitely say that it was a very insightful and enjoyable evening!