The European Defence & Security Summit 2024

On 17 April, the European Defence & Security Summit, co-hosted by ASD and European Business Summits brought together key leaders from EU institutions and agencies, national governments, NATO, industry, academia, and media to discuss the pressing security and defence issues facing Europe. 

Exploring Europe's defence industrial dimension

The Summit focused on the defence industrial dimension of European security, looking at how Europe can meet the security challenges of today and tomorrow, and the key role of the European industry in addressing them.

The Summit was opened by the Belgian Minister of Defence, Ludivine Dedonder, who underlined how Europe’s strategic approach needs to focus on military matters as much as political and economic ones.

Europe's role in supporting Ukraine: a track record

After more than two years since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, the opening panel of the Summit looked at Europe’s track record in supporting Ukraine on the battlefield and beyond. In the discussion, Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine said “For a long time, our defence industry in Ukraine has been neglected. Now, we are rising from the ashes to the highest NATO standards.” 

“War Economy”’ has become a buzzword in the discussion on how to ramp-up defence production in Europe to support Ukraine, and at the same time increase Europe’s ability to defend itself. On the second panel, experts looked at what this meant. Camille Grand, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations observed that the choice Europe is facing is “not warfare versus welfare. By strengthening our security, we are protecting our society and the way we live.” 

Europe's defence preparedness now and for the future

In an exclusive plenary speech, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke on the need for a strong European defence technological and industrial base in a world that has shifted towards open confrontation: 

“The world is as dangerous as it has been for generations. And Europe is in the middle of it. This is why it is time for a European awakening on defence and security. Our freedom and our prosperity depend on our security. And we have to bring our actions in line with the changing security environment.”

 In the final speech of the Summit, Estonian Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, spoke powerfully on the new defence and security realities facing Europe, saying in her keynote address that ““We have a very real threat to defend against. Europe is facing a critical moment that will shape our future for decades. We need to ramp up our defence industry and spending. With the right resolve and united effort, I believe we can succeed.”

Some key quotes from ASD member CEOs

Micael Johansson, CEO, Saab: "We have to take bigger responsibility in terms of spending money for the European defence industry, rather than buying equipment abroad.” 

Kevin Craven, CEO, ADS: " When it comes to contracts, certainty is the cornerstone for all industry, including the defence sector.”  

Roberto Cingolani, CEO, Leonardo: “Since the end of the Cold War, security in Europe has been seen as a free commodity, people got used to it. Europeans should reassess the price of peace.” 

Eirik Lie, President, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace: “As Europe is entering a new phase of investments into defence and security, it is critical for the industry to see long-term commitments from nations, to enable the required increase in production capacity.”

Antoine Bouvier, Special Advisor to CEO, Airbus: “Joint procurement is not just about procurement. In fact, it also opens the door for more cooperation.” 

Vice-Admiral Francisco Javier Romero Caramelo, Advisor to the Navantia’s Chairman and CPO: “The European defence industry is very competitive but its potential has been undermined by years of underinvestment and fragmentation.” 

Éric Béranger, CEO, MBDA:  “Some capabilities in Europe only exist because there has been cooperation between member states. This clearly shows that cooperation not only works but can deliver world-class results.” 

Frank Haun, CEO, KNDS: “We have to harmonise requirements to jointly operate systems.” 

Claudio Graziano, Chairman, Fincantieri: “European defence has now become a necessity and is essential for confronting new global threats. Therefore, it is crucial that Europe speaks with one voice and pursues a single goal: to achieve a stronger European defence capable of ensuring security.”