Ukraine’s fight for its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s full-scale invasion continues into a third year. Since the start of the war, the European Union (EU) and its members have provided world-leading military, financial, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The bloc’s member states have also significantly increased their defense spending. The EU for its part is developing new defense initiatives to boost its defense integration, industrial production and capacity. Yet much more work will be required for the EU to step up in this space, and questions remain whether the EU can become a reliable defense actor, particularly as Ukraine’s future hangs in the balance.

Against this backdrop, the Europe Center hosts an expert panel to discuss the future of EU defense. This event is part of the Atlantic Council Europe Center’s Transatlantic Horizons series, which seeks to outline a productive relationship for the United States and Europe for 2025 and beyond.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 02/28/2024