Security and Defence in Europe

A series of political, economic and security crises have revealed new divisions among European states, weakening consensus and self-confidence with regard to European policy frameworks and institutional strength. It is as yet unclear whether European unity on defence and security questions can be re-established, or whether Europe is moving into a new and uncertain era of fragmentation. Policymakers must now consider these divergences to identify the most effective approaches to European security and defence, anticipate shifts in security relationships, and evaluate the ongoing significance of international institutions. This conference will examine changing national and supranational approaches to security and defence, how and why interests and responses are diverging, the potential impact on policy developments over the next few years, and to what extent there is a major and irreversible shift underway in European security strategies. Discussions will assess:

• The implications for Europe’s structures and partners
• Critical challenges for European security including the roles of member states
• The structure of defence institutions, and the relevance of divergent policy outlooks