Schuman Security and Defence Forum 2024

"The security threats that we are facing are indivisible".

The world of today is ever more dangerous. The international rules-based order and multilateralism are under pressure. Competing visions and agendas on the global order are on the rise. Both state and non-state actors can pose threats to our security, through conventional as well as hybrid means of warfare.

In our interconnected world, geographical silos do not exist anymore. Threats to international security are indivisible, and the EU and its partners face numerous challenges within a single security theatre. What emerges locally, quickly becomes global, with more far-reaching and complex consequences than ever before.

In addressing common security challenges, mutually beneficial peace, security and defence partnerships are essential. Listening to its partners is key for the EU to foster such partnerships.

"Stating your views, your needs, your expectations, your concerns. This is the purpose of the Schuman Forum".

The Schuman Forum aims at facilitating high-level dialogue on international peace, security and defence issues between the EU, its Member States and partners. The Schuman Forum brings together politicians, senior decision-makers, military representatives from EU Member States and partner countries, and representatives from international and regional organisations with which the EU cooperates on peace, security and defence. Representatives from leading think-tanks and academia are also invited. 

Think Tank Side-Event 

On 28 May, a closed-door meeting will be held with the participation of peace, security and defence policy experts from think tanks and academia from around the world. The primary purpose of this meeting will be to provide experts with an opportunity to preview the key issues that will be on the agenda of the main event of the Forum. It will be a chance for sharing ideas and concrete proposals on how to best strengthen and further develop cooperation in the field of peace, security and defence between the EU, its Member States, and partners.

"To partner is deeply rooted in the DNA of the European Union. Because we, ourselves, the European Union is based on cooperation among partners".

The EU is committed to international peace and security and upholding the rules-based international order and multilateralism as defined by the UN Charter. The EU’s contribution to global peace and security is based on a comprehensive toolbox that encompasses a wide range of means: from diplomatic efforts, development support, mediation and conflict prevention to nuclear non-proliferation, arms export controls or maritime security. It is supported by the work of almost 5,000 EU military and civilian staff who are currently deployed in 9 military and 13 civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations in three continents.

Dialogue and engagement with its partners is at the heart of how the EU sees its international role. Deepening security and defence partnerships is a core element of the EU’s Strategic Compass, which outlines the EU’s common strategic vision and concrete steps to strengthen its position as a capable, effective and responsible actor in security and defence; to protect the security and prosperity of its citizens and to contribute more effectively to international peace and stability.

In the Compass, the EU also committed to develop a Security and Defence Forum ("The Schuman Forum") to work more closely and effectively with partners to address common security and defence challenges.