What Does the Optimal European Defence Equation Look Like for Structure, Innovation and Society?
Brussels  |  28 September 2026

In a time of growing instability and geopolitical rivalry, the Forum fosters high-level strategic dialogue and collaborative policy thinking, bringing together leaders from across Europe to address key security and defence challenges, strengthen transatlantic cooperation, and promote democratic values.

The Forum’s 2nd Edition takes place in Brussels on 28–29 September 2026, continuing a series of international events hosted in rotation among the co-organising institutes. As part of this edition, the Leadership Seminar – What Does the Optimal European Defence Equation Look Like, for Structure, Innovation and Society, will take place on 28 September 2026, convening a select group of emerging leaders for a day of in-depth dialogue in the Aspen Method format.

The seminar will offer participants a space to examine the structural decisions Europe’s defence architecture can no longer defer, the innovation and industrial imperatives needed to close its capability gaps, and the place of European society, public trust and democratic consent within this equation. Through moderated exchanges and peer learning, the seminar seeks to strengthen strategic thinking, foster cross-border collaboration, and empower emerging voices in shaping Europe’s defence, security and technological future. Discussions will cover topics such as European defence architecture and sovereignty, the defence-industrial base and dual-use technology, hybrid threats and disinformation, and the societal and democratic consent that sustains long-term security investment.

Why Apply?

Participants will actively contribute to shaping Europe’s strategic future while developing their own leadership skills and policy understanding. The seminar offers lasting access to the Aspen network and the opportunity to form strong international connections with peers from across the region, as well as a direct link into the Aspen European Strategic Forum’s 2nd Edition the following day.

Application Process

Interested applicants are invited to apply via https://forms.gle/MkLGTd1qWBk8bMWLA by 28 August 2026. Participants will be selected based on their experience in security, defence, technology or public policy, as well as their capacity to contribute meaningfully to a strategic dialogue among peers.

Who Can Apply

Ideal candidates are emerging leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to European defence priorities, technological innovation, and the societal foundations of security, and who are eager to contribute to the future of security and defence.

To be considered for the seminar, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Age: Between 25 and 45 years old at the time of application.
• Nationality: Be a citizen of a European Union Member State, a European Economic Area / EFTA state (e.g., the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway) or the United States.
• Professional Background: Have a professional or academic background in one of the following areas:
○ Security and Defence Policy
○ Defence Industry and Procurement
○ Dual-Use and Emerging Technologies
○ Cybersecurity
• Leadership Potential: Demonstrate leadership qualities and having the potential to become a key decision-maker or innovator in your field.
• Language Proficiency: Be fluent in English, as all seminar activities and discussions will be conducted in English.
• Commitment: Be willing to fully participate in all seminar sessions and engage actively with peers and mentors.

International Participants

Selected participants will receive a comprehensive package designed to facilitate their attendance and maximise their seminar experience. The offer includes:

  • Accommodation: 1 night of complimentary accommodation in Brussels, covering the seminar and the Forum’s opening day.
  • Travel: A round-trip flight to Brussels for international candidates, with details to be arranged upon selection.
  • Access: Full access to the Leadership Seminar and the Aspen European Strategic Forum’s 2nd Edition, including all sessions, networking events, and meals.