European leaders and experts gathered at the 61st Munich Security Conference to present the Munich Declaration 2025, a comprehensive plan for strengthening Europe’s defense and economic competitiveness. The declaration, issued by the Europe Panel and its committee, was initiated by influential figures such as former President of the European Commission José Manuel Durão Barroso and Chairman and Scientific Director of JEDI André Loesekrug-Pietri.
The Munich Declaration outlines concrete steps to enhance Europe’s security architecture, technological leadership, and strategic autonomy in a constantly evolving and protectionist global environment. Key commitments include a call for a stronger coordination of military forces and an increase in defense spending to 3-4% of GDP, as well as the establishment of a European DARPA-like agency to lead in AI, cyber, space, drones, and defense technologies.
Recognizing that economic power is the foundation of sovereignty, the declaration also emphasizes the urgent need for completing the EU Single Market and fostering dual-use technologies such as AI-driven productivity. It also calls for regulatory adjustments, more trade agreements, and a capital markets union to promote stronger growth and improve Europe’s global competitiveness.
To support increased investment in defense, technology, and infrastructure, the Munich Declaration suggests utilizing existing European financing instruments, such as a European infrastructure bond market or the ESM. The declaration also acknowledges the temporary increase in fiscal deficits and debt, within European and national fiscal rules, as necessary to strengthen defense capabilities, innovation, and growth.
The Munich Declaration 2025 proposes decisive steps towards a more resilient Europe, ensuring security, prosperity, and strategic independence. The signatories urge European governments, institutions, and industry to take swift action in implementing the outlined measures.
To support this initiative, the European Forum Alpbach will provide a platform for security policy dialogue at the EFA25, with the European Defence Union as a key track topic in the “Security” track. The Europe Panel, hosted by the European Forum Alpbach, the Bavarian Family Entrepreneur Association, and the Joint European Disruptive Initiative (JEDI), which acts as an advanced research projects agency (ARPA) for Europe, is an official side event at the prestigious Munich Security Conference 2025.
For further information or interview requests, please contact Prof. Dr. Josef Arweck at +49 (0)15734762499 or arweck@bernstein-group.com. This news release is distributed by Pressat, a leading UK-based press release distribution service.
