Investing more than ever: EU defence spending and EDA data 2024-2025
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 for the future. Joining her is Juan Mejino-Lopez (Bruegel), who offers his insights on investment, innovation and the wider impact of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
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Women in EU Armed Forces
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 barriers that hinder women from joining and advancing within the military. We also assess EU and Member States’s strategies to enhance women's participation, and review the progress made to date.
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Defence beyond 2040 - Innovation and Financing
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) provide insights into innovation shifts, EDA's Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), and financing strategies. We also explore nurturing innovation culture, political support, and improving industry-government partnerships.
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Unmanned Horizons – Drones in Modern Conflicts
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 civilian airspace, and NATO-EDA cooperation. Lastly, we explore the potential for fully autonomous operations in the future.
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Breaking Barriers – Military Mobility
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 mobility. We also discuss funding issues and balancing security with transparency. Join Major General André Denk (EDA) and General Ben Hodges (former Commanding General US Army Europe) for an in-depth discussion.
EU Defence Declassified, brought to you by the European Defence Agency, seeks to demystify trends in European Union military cooperation. In chats with our experts and invitees, EDA’s media team helps to analyse today’s most pressing defence issues, whether they be niche industrial topics or the historical sweep of EU defence integration. If you are curious about EU defence and EDA, then the EU Defence Declassified podcast is for you.
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