Schwarzenberg stage | Beyond Dependence: Europeanisation of NATO

As Europe faces a shifting U.S. posture and stretched American resources, questions are intensifying about the future of transatlantic security. Can NATO remain a robust alliance if Europe assumes greater responsibility for its own defence? Recent moves, such as the U.S. handing over command of key NATO structures in Naples and Norfolk to European leadership, alongside Europe’s push to ‘Buy European’ and reduce reliance on U.S. defence systems, illustrate both the opportunities and tensions in reshaping the alliance. The political and strategic implications of a more autonomous Europe within the NATO framework are becoming ever clearer, including how European nations can strengthen the alliance without undermining transatlantic unity. From defence industrial priorities to command structures, the focus is on whether NATO can evolve to meet new geopolitical realities and whether the U.S. and Europe can redefine their partnership on more equal terms. - How can Europe strengthen its defence capabilities while remaining fully committed to NATO, rather than building outside it? - What reforms are necessary within NATO to reflect the changing balance of responsibility between the U.S. and European members? - Can NATO maintain cohesion if the U.S. further deprioritises European security, or does Europe need to rethink its strategic independence? - How do diverging perspectives on defence spending, technology procurement, and industrial autonomy affect the transatlantic relationship? - What political and strategic mechanisms can prevent tensions from rising as Europe seeks a more assertive role within NATO? Speakers: Adm. Rob Bauer, Former Chair, NATO Military Committee Hélène Conway-Mouret, Vice President, Foreign Affairs & Defence Committee, French National Assembly Gen. Ben Hodges, Commanding General (Ret.), US Army Europe Javier Maroto, Chairman, Committee on Democracy & Security, NATO Parliamentary Assembly; First VP, Senate of Spain Lucia Yar, Vice-Chair, Committee on Budgets, European Parliament Led by: Tom Nuttall, Head of Berlin Bureau, The Economist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GLOBSECforum X: https://x.com/GLOBSEC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10637133/admin/dashboard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globsecthinktank/ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/globsec.bsky.social