EU Defence Declassified, brought to you by the European Defence Agency (EDA), delves into the world of European defence and discusses some of the most pressing challenges for the EU: how to better protect its citizens, defend its values and safeguard its interests.
In conversations with our experts and invitees, EDA’s communications team helps to analyse today’s issues, whether they be niche industrial topics or the historical sweep of EU integration. If you are curious about EU defence and EDA, then the EU Defence Declassified podcast is for you.
We just released the third season of EU Defence Declassified Podcast. You can listen to it on Spotify and Apple Podcast.
SEASON THREE
S03 E04: 3D printing on the battlefield
Additive manufacturing – or 3D printing – is becoming more accessible to all, thanks to lower costs and better software. It is also transforming how armed forces produce and deliver parts. With the right material and a machine, components can be reprinted in a matter of hours.
In this new episode, Martin Huber, Project Officer for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics at EDA, explains how 3D printing is reshaping military logistics – and how troops could soon be deployed with their own mobile printing units. Joining him is Frederic Creusen, Innovation Manager at the Dutch Ministry of Defence. Together they dive into the materials and technologies behind on-demand production in the field.
S03 E03: AI for military decision-making
Unlocking you phone with Face ID, searching for information on a search engine, using navigation apps, or tracking your daily 10,000 steps – all these everyday activities rely on AI. But AI is also becoming increasingly embedded in EU defence. For example, AI-powered imaging systems can detect threats during military operations, such as identifying an enemy ship or vehicle at long distances. Judith Dijk, Project Officer for Optronic Technologies at EDA, breaks down how these systems work and the technical challenges they pose. On the ethical side of AI, its responsible and lawful use, Liisa Janssens, researcher at the Technical University Delft, and an expert in AI and law, offers her insights.
S03 E02: Military drones in busy European skies
Drones are changing modern warfare. Stephen O’Sullivan (EDA) explains how military drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), will fit into everyday air traffic, and reveals that an EDA drone training programme is already under discussion. Meanwhhile, Mikk Murumäe , Chief Technology Officer of drone manufacturer Threod Systems, explores how drones are being deployed in Ukraine and the lessons learned from real world operations.
S03 E01: Investing more than ever: EU defence spending and EDA data 2024-2025
The European Union’s 27 countries are strengthening their defences, with spending hitting a record €343 billion in 2024. Based on a rigorous methodology, EDA Defence Data offers the most accurate and comparable information on spending across the EU.
Aleksandra Walczak (EDA), who helped draft EDA’s 2024-2025 defence data report, talks us through the numbers, explaining trends and what they mean for the future. Joining her is Juan Mejino-Lopez (Bruegel), who offers his insights on investment, innovation and the wider impact of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
SEASON TWO
S02 E01: Two Decades Strong - Reflecting on EDA’s 20th Anniversary
In this special episode, we delve into the history and achievements of the European Defence Agency (EDA) as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Join us as we explore the pivotal moments, challenges overcome, and the evolving role of the EDA in shaping European defence. We feature insights from EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý and EDA’s first Chief Executive Nick Witney, now with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).
S02 E02: Protecting the Digital Domain - Cyber Defence
Cyber defence plays a crucial role in protecting EU citizens. With David Lopez Antunes (EDA) and Merle Maigre (e-Governance Academy), we discuss the nature and evolution of cyber threats, their impact on conflicts such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the ethics of cyber attacks. We also address the question for a unified European cyber strategy, EDA's initiatives to enhance Member States' cyber defence, and hear insights from the private sector. Lastly, we highlight the most disruptive emerging technologies in cyberspace.
S02 E03: Breaking Barriers – Military Mobility
Military mobility is crucial for the rapid and efficient movement of military assets across Europe. Against today’s geopolitical backdrop, we explore why enhancing military mobility is essential for a strong European defence. We also discuss the concept of a "military Schengen," the challenges of transporting military resources, and the initiatives by the EU, EDA, and NATO to improve mobility. We also discuss funding issues and balancing security with transparency. Join Major General André Denk (EDA) and General Ben Hodges (former Commanding General US Army Europe) for an in-depth discussion.
S02 E04: Unmanned Horizons – Drones in Modern Conflicts
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are revolutionizing modern technology and warfare. With João Caetano (EDA) and Ross McKenzie (NATO), we discuss drones' rapid transformation and key role, especially in conflicts such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We cover legal and ethical topics in warfare and civilian use, military drones' integration into civilian airspace, and NATO-EDA cooperation. Lastly, we explore the potential for fully autonomous operations in the future.
S02 E05: Women in EU Armed Forces
Women have served in diverse and impactful roles throughout European military history. Despite their contributions, women remain a minority within the armed forces. Today, as the EU prioritises the UN Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and NATO adapts its 2018 WPS policy to address current security challenges, a significant transformation is underway. In this episode, we investigate the barriers that hinder women from joining and advancing within the military. We also assess EU and Member States’s strategies to enhance women's participation, and review the progress made to date.
S02 E06: Defence beyond 2040 - Innovation and Financing
In a time of rapid innovation, many EU countries lag in research and development investment, while investors grapple with ethical concerns and the defence sector's public image. As technology evolves, questions arise about innovation dynamics, financing sustainability, and industry strength. Federica Valente (EDA) and Jan Pie (Aerospace, Security & Defence Industries Association of Europe) provide insights into innovation shifts, EDA's Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), and financing strategies. We also explore nurturing innovation culture, political support, and improving industry-government partnerships.
SEASON ONE
S01 E01: Why do we need EU defence?
Polls show citizens expect the EU to protect them. We've witnessed Russia's senseless invasion of Ukraine, but we already have national militaries and NATO. In this first episode, we discuss with Jiří Šedivý, EDA’s Chief Executive, why we need EU defence cooperation and why the EU should have the capacity to act.
S01 E02: Towards an EU defence industry
After years of declines in defence spending, it's safe to say there's a new political will to reinforce the European defence industry. In this second episode, we discuss with Pieter Taal, EDA’s Head of Unit for Industry Strategy & EU Policies, whether the European defence industry is in good shape, if there is enough cooperation between countries and industry, and whether there can ever be a pan-European defence industry.
S01 E03: The transatlantic bond
EU leaders have pledged to protect EU citizens and their values. But we've also seen that Russia's war in Ukraine has given NATO a sense of renewal and it is in fact NATO that many European governments have gravitated towards. In this third episode, we discuss with Maxime Roclore, EDA Senior Policy Officer, where the European Union fits into the puzzle of collective defence and what exactly it means to broaden and deepen cooperation between NATO and the EU.
S01 E04: Green defence
Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time and also for the defence and security sectors. We know that militaries are a heavy polluter and they are even defined by some as significant contributors to climate change. In this final episode of the series, we ask Maja Kuzel, EDA's Project Officer for Energy Support, and Constantinos Hadjisavvas, Project Officer for Energy, how EU defence can become greener, less polluting, and help build a more sustainable future for all.