The 11th Delphi Economic Forum, set to take place from April 22 to 25, 2026, in Greece, will place European defense, resilience, and strategic preparedness at the heart of its agenda, amid growing calls for stronger investment in security and industrial capacity across the EU.
Discussions will focus on military mobility, dual-use technologies, defense investment, and the European Union’s ability to respond to emerging security threats in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
ReArm Europe and new defense funding tools
A key reference point for the debate will be the EU’s ReArm Europe initiative, which aims to significantly increase defense spending across member states. The plan promotes new financing instruments, greater flexibility in national defense budgets, and stronger cooperation in joint procurement of critical capabilities.
Alongside it, the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program is designed to support joint defense investments, offering up to €150 billion in loans for shared procurement in priority sectors.
These frameworks reflect a broader shift toward strengthening Europe’s defense industrial base and reducing fragmentation in procurement and capability development.
Dual-use technologies and military mobility
A major thematic focus of the forum will be dual-use infrastructure and technologies—systems that serve both civilian and military purposes—particularly along key military mobility corridors across Europe.
These corridors are considered essential for the rapid movement of troops and equipment during crises. A dedicated discussion will examine the challenges and opportunities in developing such systems, involving representatives from European institutions, research organizations, and industry experts.
Investment, deterrence, and public-private cooperation
Another set of discussions will explore the evolving nature of deterrence and the need for increased investment in defense innovation. Emphasis will be placed on cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as on the role of financial institutions and defense industry leaders in supporting capability development.
The forum will also address Europe’s strategic readiness and the economic implications of rising defense expenditure, including pressures on national budgets and the need for fiscal balance.
Greece’s role in defense cooperation
The event will further highlight Greece’s position as a potential hub for defense innovation and international cooperation, focusing on investment attraction and integration into global security ecosystems.
Broader discussions will also examine supply chain resilience, technological autonomy, and the development of stronger domestic capabilities within Europe’s defense sector.
Strategic resilience at the core of EU policy debate
Across all sessions, the forum is expected to underline a central message: defense is no longer viewed solely through a military lens, but as a wider policy field combining industrial strategy, technological adaptation, economic planning, and European coordination.
As Europe faces increasing security challenges, the discussions in Delphi will reflect a growing consensus on the need for a more integrated and resilient defense architecture capable of responding effectively to future threats.
