EU Defence Declassified

When we think of diplomacy, we often picture civilian politics, embassies, and international relations, yet it is just as essential within the military sphere. In this new episode, we sit down with General Seán Clancy, Chair of the EU Military Committee, to explore how modern military leadership operates at the intersection of defence and diplomacy. From the very beginning of a military career, le...

Satellite communication, or SatCom for short, is the technology that sends information via satellites orbiting the Earth. It underpins everything from internet access to phone communication – and plays a big role in military operations. Heinrich Krispler, project officer for Govsatcom and support to EU operations, reveals how Europe is using this technology to bolster security and support the mili...

Additive manufacturing – or 3D printing – is becoming more accessible to all, thanks to lower costs and better software. It is also transforming how armed forces produce and deliver parts. With the right material and a machine, components can be reprinted in a matter of hours. In this new episode, Martin Huber, Project Officer for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics at EDA, explains how 3D printi...

Unlocking you phone with Face ID, searching for information on a search engine, using navigation apps, or tracking your daily 10,000 steps – all these everyday activities rely on AI. But AI is also becoming increasingly embedded in EU defence. For example, AI-powered imaging systems can detect threats during military operations, such as identifying an enemy ship or vehicle at long distances. Judit...

Drones are changing modern warfare. Stephen O’Sullivan (EDA) explains how military drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), will fit into everyday air traffic, and reveals that an EDA drone training programme is already under discussion. Meanwhhile, Mikk Murumäe , Chief Technology Officer of drone manufacturer Threod Systems, explores how drones are being deployed in Ukraine and the...

The European Union’s 27 countries are strengthening their defences, with spending hitting a record €343 billion in 2024. Based on a rigorous methodology, EDA Defence Data offers the most accurate and comparable information on spending across the EU.  Aleksandra Walczak (EDA), who helped draft EDA’s 2024-2025 defence data report, talks us through the numbers, explaining trends and what they mean fo...

Women have served in diverse and impactful roles throughout European military history. Despite their contributions, women remain a minority within the armed forces. Today, as the EU prioritises the UN Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and NATO adapts its 2018 WPS policy to address current security challenges, a significant transformation is underway. In this episode, we investigate the barrie...

In a time of rapid innovation, many EU countries lag in research and development investment, while investors grapple with ethical concerns and the defence sector's public image. As technology evolves, questions arise about innovation dynamics, financing sustainability, and industry strength. Federica Valente (EDA) and Jan Pie (Aerospace, Security & Defence Industries Association of Europe)...

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are revolutionizing modern technology and warfare. With João Caetano (EDA) and Ross McKenzie (NATO), we discuss drones' rapid transformation and key role, especially in conflicts such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We cover legal and ethical topics in warfare and civilian use, military drones' integration into civ...

Military mobility is crucial for the rapid and efficient movement of military assets across Europe. Against today’s geopolitical backdrop, we explore why enhancing military mobility is essential for a strong European defence. We also discuss the concept of a "military Schengen," the challenges of transporting military resources, and the initiatives by the EU, EDA, and NATO to improve mob...

Cyber defence plays a crucial role in protecting EU citizens. With David Lopez Antunes (EDA) and Merle Maigre (e-Governance Academy), we discuss the nature and evolution of cyber threats, their impact on conflicts such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the ethics of cyber attacks. We also address the question for a unified European cyber strategy, EDA's initiatives to enha...

In this special episode, we delve into the history and achievements of the European Defence Agency (EDA) as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Join us as we explore the pivotal moments, challenges overcome, and the evolving role of the EDA in shaping European defence. We feature insights from EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý and EDA’s first Chief Executive Nick Witney, now with the European Counci...

Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time and also for the defence and security sectors. We know that militaries are a heavy polluter and they are even defined by some as significant contributors to climate change. In this final episode of the series, we ask Maja Kuzel, EDA's Project Officer for Energy Support, and Constantinos Hadjisavvas, Project Officer for Energy, how EU def...

EU leaders have pledged to protect EU citizens and their values. But we've also seen that Russia's war in Ukraine has given NATO a sense of renewal and it is in fact NATO that many European governments have gravitated towards. In this third episode, we discuss with Maxime Roclore, EDA Senior Policy Officer, where the European Union fits into the puzzle of collective defence and what exactl...

After years of declines in defence spending, it's safe to say there's a new political will to reinforce the European defence industry. In this second episode, we discuss with Pieter Taal, EDA’s Head of Unit for Industry Strategy & EU Policies, whether the European defence industry is in good shape, if there is enough cooperation between countries and industry, and whether there can eve...

Polls show citizens expect the EU to protect them. We've witnessed Russia's senseless invasion of Ukraine, but we already have national militaries and NATO. In this first episode, we discuss with Jiří Šedivý, EDA’s Chief Executive, why we need EU defence cooperation and why the EU should have the capacity to act.