Europe on the Brink

Radical policy changes by the US Trump administration are undermining the pillars that have supported European defence, and democracy since 1945. They have exposed vulnerabilities which European leaders are struggling to address initially by strengthening their military capabilities. It is clear that the continent needs to thoroughly rethink its military dependence on the US, decide how to combat external political interference, and re-energise its industrial strategy - quite a tall order. During 2024 and 2025, Industry Forum researchers have been considering such issues and published the summary paper, ‘Europe on the Brink’ in December 2025. This meeting brings together European experts and Industry Forum members to discuss the conclusions and recommendations set out in the paper. A small panel will give their views on the paper followed by Q&A. Speakers include: Dr Jonathan Leader Maynard, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, Department of Political Economy, King's College London; Dr Matthew Harries, Research and Campaigns Director, Labour Movement for Europe; Brendan Donnelly, Director, Federal Trust; Dr Denis MacShane, Former Europe Minister.