Three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine remains at the forefront of European security. While the country has shown remarkable resilience, shifting battlefield dynamics and uncertainty over U.S. military support have forced European leaders to reassess their defense priorities.
Ukraine’s fight is no longer perceived as a distant conflict but as a direct test of Europe’s security, stability and credibility. In response, European institutions, Member States and key industry players are intensifying discussions on strengthening defense cooperation, increasing military investments and ensuring Ukraine’s long-term stability.
In this urgent context, Teneo hosted a discussion on February 25 in Brussels, bringing together 40 stakeholders from EU institutions, national governments and the defense and business sectors to explore Ukraine’s future and Europe’s role in supporting it.
Europe’s Security at Stake
Beyond humanitarian concerns, Europeans increasingly recognize that Ukraine’s survival is directly linked to their own security. With public resilience in Ukraine under strain, U.S. military aid uncertainty and Russia regaining momentum on the battlefield, Europe’s leaders acknowledge that the cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of investment.
Speaking at the event, Ramūnas Stanionis, Member of Cabinet for the EU Defense Commissioner, reinforced this point, emphasizing that Ukraine’s struggle is not just about preserving its sovereignty but about ensuring stability across the European continent. He outlined the European Commission’s evolving defense priorities, including expanding the European Defense Fund to enhance joint weapons production, increasing EU’s assistance to Ukraine and strengthening the Defense Technology Industrial Base (DTIB) to reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Yegor Dubinsky, Advisor to the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and former Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation (2022–2024), highlighted Ukraine’s role as a driver of technological innovation in Europe. He underscored how Ukraine’s highly skilled workforce and advancements in military technologies – particularly drones – can contribute to strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities and broader tech sector. Noting that Ukraine was the first country to formally establish a naval drone fleet, he emphasized the potential for deeper collaboration, positioning Ukraine as a key partner in Europe’s technological and security advancements.
A New Approach to Defense Investment
The EU’s role in military assistance is shifting from short-term crisis management to a long-term defense strategy. The panel discussion, featuring senior policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders explored Europe’s next steps in fortifying its security while supporting Ukraine. Participants stressed the importance of rebuilding Ukraine’s defense industry and integrating it into the broader European military supply chain. They also discussed the development of cybersecurity and AI-driven military innovations, areas where Ukraine has already demonstrated remarkable progress.
Discussions also focused on enhancing EU-backed financial mechanisms to support both military and civilian infrastructure recovery. A major topic was also the EU’s evolving approach to joint defense procurement and production, with increasing calls to scale up European munitions and weapons manufacturing to prevent future supply shortages.
Investing in Ukraine’s Recovery: A Strategic Imperative
Ukraine’s reconstruction, often framed as a humanitarian and economic necessity, is now recognized as a strategic investment in Europe’s collective security. To support this effort, the EU has mobilized several funding instruments. The Ukraine Facility, a €50 billion investment framework, is designed to rebuild critical infrastructure and drive economic recovery. Meanwhile, the European Investment Bank’s Ukraine Recovery Program focuses on infrastructure rehabilitation and industrial resilience, ensuring long-term stability in key sectors. Additionally, the EU Military Mobility Fund plays a crucial role in strengthening Europe’s transport and logistics networks, which are essential for both civil and defense applications.
Ukraine’s advanced defense technology sector, particularly its pioneering use of drones, cyber capabilities and AI-driven military solutions, has been identified as a key area for European investment. Corporate leaders at the event emphasized the importance of expanding public-private partnerships to accelerate innovation and integrate Ukraine’s defense industry into Europe’s broader security framework.
Europe’s Moment of Truth
The war in Ukraine has exposed critical weaknesses in Europe’s defense posture, revealing gaps in military readiness, weapons production and strategic coordination. The EU now faces a defining moment: Will it take decisive steps to transform its defense strategy or remain reliant on external actors for security guarantees?
With Zelensky’s government under increasing pressure, public morale weakening and the military facing serious resource shortages, discussions in Brussels clearly indicate that Ukraine’s fate is inseparable from Europe’s security. A retreat from supporting Kyiv would embolden not only Russia but also allied authoritarian regimes.
As EU defense policy gains momentum, the Brussels gathering underscored a growing consensus: Investing in Ukraine is not just about aiding an ally – it is about securing Europe’s own future.