Leadership Seminar Held in Brussels as Part of Aspen European Strategic Forum 2026
What should a European defence system look like to address today’s security challenges while remaining resilient in the future?
On September 28, the Aspen European Strategic Forum 2026, co-organized by Aspen Institute Kyiv and Aspen Institute Romania, opened in Brussels.
The first day of the Forum featured the Leadership Seminar “What Does the Optimal European Defence Equation Look Like, for Structure, Innovation and Society?”, bringing together participants from across Europe to explore questions that will shape the future of European security and defence.
Through moderated dialogue, participants examined how Europe can strengthen its defence architecture and industrial and technological capabilities, respond to hybrid and emerging threats, and secure public support for long-term defence policies.
Particular attention was given to balancing Europe’s growing responsibility for its own security with the preservation of the transatlantic partnership, as well as the role of innovation, dual-use technologies, and cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil society in strengthening long-term resilience.
Among the Ukrainian participants were Aspen Institute Kyiv alumni Yaroslav Liubchenko, CEO of Prozorro, and Volodymyr Landa, Senior Economist at Truman LLC.
Ukraine’s experience is particularly relevant to this conversation, not only because of Russia’s full-scale invasion, but also because of the practical lessons it offers in how public institutions, businesses, and technology ecosystems adapt to new challenges, introduce innovative solutions, and maintain their capacity to act amid prolonged security uncertainty.
At the same time, the seminar went beyond specific political or technological solutions. Participants engaged with diverse perspectives, challenged established assumptions, and reflected on the kind of leadership Europe needs in an increasingly complex security environment.
On September 29, the conversation on the future of European security and resilience continued as part of the main program of the Aspen European Strategic Forum 2026.
