The European Air and Missile Defence Conference in Rome brings together approximately 200 guests, including military leaders and defence ministers from across Europe, to discuss enhancing defence capabilities and countering potential threats in response to recent geopolitical developments and challenges. The two-day summit, which began on Monday, focuses on strengthening defence across Europe and deterring threats. On the main day of the event, Tuesday, panels will explore military, industrial, and political issues, followed by a joint press conference with Italy’s defence minister and his French counterpart.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the need to build a stronger defence across Europe has become a top priority for European leaders. With the upcoming US elections potentially influencing future US defence support for Europe, the EU aims to strengthen its defence system and boost arms production capacities. This objective is one of the key goals of the next European Commission. The conference in Rome aims to continue the discussion on integrated air and missile defence for European skies, specifically focusing on protecting European territories from Russian bombs and drones.
Alessandro Marrone, head of the defense program at the IAI institute in Rome, emphasized the shift in Europe’s defense debate since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Marrone highlights that the threats faced by Europe are of a different order now, leading to the implementation of strategies, laws, and fund allocations by the EU commission and institutions. These efforts focus on the industrial and technological aspects to make Europe more independent and capable of producing necessary equipment. Marrone notes the importance of EU involvement in defense compared to national governments responsible for army deployment decisions.
The ongoing European Air and Missile Defence Conference in Rome features panels discussing military, industrial, and political issues related to enhancing European defense capabilities and countering potential threats. With approximately 200 guests in attendance, including military leaders and defense ministers from across Europe, the summit aims to address recent geopolitical developments and challenges. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European leaders prioritize building a stronger defense across the continent, especially considering potential shifts in US defense support following the upcoming elections.
The conference focuses on the importance of integrated air and missile defense for European skies, particularly in safeguarding territories from Russian bombs and drones. Alessandro Marrone of the IAI institute in Rome highlights the changes in Europe’s defense debate since 2014, underscoring the need for strategies, laws, and fund allocations to enhance industrial and technological capabilities. With the EU Commission emphasizing the goal of strengthening defense and arms production capacities, the conference plays a crucial role in continuing discussions on European defense priorities and challenges in light of recent events.
The summit also serves as a platform for collaboration and information sharing among European military leaders and defense ministers. By discussing a range of topics and exploring different dimensions of defense, such as military, industrial, and political aspects, participants aim to foster cooperation and identify strategies to address common threats. The joint press conference featuring Italy’s defence minister and his French counterpart underscores the importance of multilateral engagement in addressing contemporary security challenges and enhancing defense capabilities across Europe. The ongoing conference in Rome reflects the shared commitment of European nations to strengthening collective defense and security in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
