Europe’s security architecture is facing its greatest test since the end of the Cold War. Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine is forcing Europe out of its security policy comfort zone. This dynamic is being further reinforced by a profound shift in US foreign policy. At the same time, there is growing pressure to think more closely about political responsibility, military capabilities, and economic and societal resilience together.

But how capable of defending itself is Europe really if it has to stand on its own? Can Europe make the leap towards an effective Security and Defence Union? What price are we prepared to pay for the defence of our freedom? And what role can and will Austria play in a future EU security architecture?

The current book “Security, Defence, and the Future of Europe: Views from the Capitals”, edited by Michael Kaeding, Johannes Pollak and Paul Schmidt, also examines the consequences of these developments, bringing together different national perspectives on the future of European security and defence policy.

These and further questions were discussed at this event organised by the Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGfE) in collaboration with TEPSA on 22 June 2026.

Watch the event recording

Panellists included:

• Walter Feichtinger, Director, Institute for Strategic Analysis, Deputy Chair of the Military Service Commission
• Arnold Kammel, Secretary General, Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, Director General for Defence Policy at the Ministry
• Loïc Simonet, Research Fellow, Austrian Institute for International Affairs, oiip
• Stephanie Fenkart, Director, International Institute for Peace, IIP

Moderated by Paul Schmidt, Secretary-General of the Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGfE).