As the liberal world order weakens, the US retreats from Europe’s security shield and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine persists, Europe must shift from soft to hard power to be a strong global player that can ensure the security of its own citizens and assert its economic and political interests in the increasingly multipolar world.
A session organised by the European Liberal Forum, with support of the Renew Europe Group, for MEPs and stakeholders to discuss current defence challenges and opportunities.
As the liberal world order weakens, the US retreats from Europe’s security shield and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine persists, Europe must shift from soft to hard power to be a strong global player that can ensure the security of its own citizens and assert its economic and political interests in the increasingly multipolar world. This requires bolstering military strength and public resolve amid rising threats, with liberal, democratic and centrist parties adapting their strategies. However, just pouring money into military capabilities is not enough to build a European hard power. Politicians also must gain public support to work on military readiness.
13:30 – 13:40 Welcome by Hilde Vautmans, MEP, Renew Europe Group
13:40 – 14:00 Introduction to the paper – Wojciech Przybylski and Goran Buldioski
14:00 – 14:05 Increasing female participation in the army (pitch) – Magdalena Jakubowska
14:05 – 14:35 From soft to hard power – a liberal vision for European defence
Bart Groothuis, MEP, Renew Europe Group
Hilde Vautmans, MEP, Renew Europe Group
Dan Barna, MEP, Renew Europe Group
Moderator: Maartje Schulz, Policy and Research Manager, European Liberal Forum
14:35 – 14:45 Coffee break
14:45 – 15:25 Open discussion and exchange of views (roundtable setting)
Moderator: Maartje Schulz, Policy and Research Manager, European Liberal Forum
15:25 – 15:30 Conclusions by Alva Finn, Executive Director, European Liberal Forum
15:30 End of the event