Prague, June 14, 2025. In Prague’s historic city centre, European leaders convened for the 20th GLOBSEC Forum with a clear warning; the continent must assume far greater responsibility for its own security as global risks intensify.
The three-day gathering drew more than 2,000 participants from 78 countries, marking a shift in European strategic thinking focussed on the continent’s responsibility in security, strategic autonomy, and shaping the global order amid heightened geopolitical instability from the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Iran.
Czech President Petr Pavel urged European governments to move well beyond the longstanding 2% of GDP defence spending target, proposing NATO targets reach 5% of GDP by 2032. The call was echoed by policymakers and executives, who agreed that robust investment in defence is now essential not only for military readiness but also for technological and economic resilience.
“We must ensure we can defend our own interests, without U.S. support if necessary,” Pavel said, reflecting the forum’s central message that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own defence and act decisively in the face of changing U.S. engagement. “Russia openly sees countries like the Czech Republic as enemies. If we want to preserve peace and our way of life, we must invest far more into our security.”
Europe’s rapid transition away from Russian energy supplies was cited as evidence that the continent can act decisively when required. Forum participants pressed for similar urgency in other strategic sectors, including raw materials and advanced technologies. The consensus was that achieving genuine strategic autonomy requires reducing regulatory barriers, supporting domestic production, and investing in innovation at scale.
The forum’s central theme, “Commanding (in) Chaos: Time for Europe to Step Up,” centred on calls for Europe to stay competitive globally by harnessing its collective strength, securing strategic autonomy, and shaping international rules rather than merely adapting to them.
With artificial intelligence and quantum computing reshaping the geopolitical landscape, technological sovereignty emerged as a central theme. Delegates stressed that Europe must accelerate investment in research and development, and strengthen public-private partnerships to secure both its economic future and its security interests. “If you’re losing the battle for technology, you’re losing every other battle. And we don’t have time. What matters now is speed,” GLOBSEC founder Robert Vass said.
Discussions centred around defence financing, rearmament, and strategic industrial investments, including the launch of a new semiconductor initiative aimed at strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty. The private sector must be treated as an equal partner in policy implementation, resilience building, and innovation leadership, participants agreed.
The forum highlighted a shift towards more agile forms of European cooperation, with smaller coalitions acting quickly on initiatives such as the Czech-led ammunition supply for Ukraine. Speakers also emphasised the importance of societal resilience, warning that Europe’s open societies remain vulnerable to disinformation and internal division.
“From this experience, a new style of European cooperation was born. Medium-sized countries were on the side only a few years ago. But it’s different today,” Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said, referring to the ammunition initiative that has delivered millions of artillery rounds to Ukrainian forces.
Support for Ukraine remained absolute. Europe will not abandon Ukraine because Ukraine is part of Europe, participants agreed. Continued commitment to Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction was reaffirmed throughout the forum.
There was broad agreement on the need to modernise international institutions to better reflect contemporary realities. “Modernising the multilateral system is no longer a matter of preference – it is a necessity,” was heard across various panels and private sessions.
Europe’s ability to lead in this area, participants argued, will depend on its willingness to invest, innovate, and act with unity and resolve. The forum underscored the importance of practical, sustainable solutions through international cooperation, with participation from nearly 80 countries, including growing engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.
The fragility of democracy was highlighted, with calls to defend liberal norms and counter democratic backsliding within Europe.
The GLOBSEC Forum concluded with a decisive message: Europe must move beyond outdated assumptions and embrace its collective strength. The continent’s security, prosperity, and influence now depend on bold investment, technological leadership, and a renewed commitment to democratic values.
“The crises we face are global – but so are the solutions, our task now is to turn words into action,” said Daniel Braun, CEO of GLOBSEC, as the forum concluded.
Whether European leaders can translate these ambitious commitments into concrete action will define the continent’s security and prosperity for decades to come.
The next GLOBSEC Forum will return to Prague on 21-23 May 2026.
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