The Aspen European Strategic Forum 2026 strengthens Europe’s defense and resilience by uniting government, industry and intellectual leaders against escalating security threats. The Forum is co-led by Aspen Institute Romania and Aspen Institute Kyiv, with the support of Aspen Institute Central Europe, Aspen Institute Germany, Aspen Institute France, Aspen Institute Italia, Aspen Institute UK, Aspen Institute Spain and Aspen Strategy Group.

The Aspen European Strategic Forum 2026 is a collaborative platform to identify best approaches to evolving security threats in Europe and contribute to a sounder, more resilient approach to and understanding of defense by European society and communities. The Forum expands dialogue across the continent, from East to West and North to South. This engagement shapes the understanding and support of European citizens of the continent’s main priorities: defense and security in light of multiple threats and growing technological complexity. 

Europe’s security rests at an inflection point. Geopolitical context, technological advances, economic and supply constraints, as well as societal support factor in the renewed approach to and design of the continent’s security. This forum convenes those who will shape this approach, senior policymakers setting the political course, defence industry leaders building the capabilities, strategic thinkers stress-testing the assumptions, and institutional stakeholders holding the levers of implementation. Together, they confront three defining questions: What structural decisions can no longer be deferred? What industrial imperatives must be met to close security gaps? How to ensure public support and resilient societies?  The answers will determine  European security for the decade now unfolding.

The 2026 edition of the Aspen European Strategic Forum takes place in Brussels, Belgium, the seat of European institutions whose decisions will determine much of what this Forum discusses. 

The first day, September 28, will open with a Leadership Seminar, bringing together around 20 young leaders from relevant security and defense fields for a deeper, more applied discussion. A cocktail reception for informal networking will follow. 

The second day, September 29, will feature plenary sessions and public panel discussions, bringing senior officials, industry leaders, and distinguished experts into an open dialogue on the new European security strategy, and the forces that shapes it:  geopolitical context, technology, innovation, and also public support.  

By applying the Aspen Method, the Forum creates conditions for candid, off-the-record exchange alongside public debate, combining plenary sessions, high-level conversations, and closed-door leadership seminars to move discussion from diagnosis toward a playbook for governments, institutions, industry, and civil society.

Co-organizers: Aspen Institute Romania, Aspen Institute Kyiv

With the support of : Aspen Institute Central Europe, Aspen Institute Germany, Aspen Institute France, Aspen Institute Italia, Aspen Institute UK, Aspen Institute Spain, Aspen Strategy Group

Day 1 – Monday, September 28

12:30 – 17:30 Leadership & Public Policies Seminar 

A short Leadership Seminar bringing together ∼20 young rising leaders, aged 25 to 45, from relevant security and defense fields for a deeper, more applied discussion, on the sidelines of the Forum.

18:30 – 20:30 Aspen European Strategic Forum Dinner/Reception
(by invitation only)

The pre-forum dinner/reception serves as a strategic networking cornerstone, designed to cultivate connections prior to the event’s core programming. 

Day 2 – Tuesday, September 29

9:00 – 16:00 Aspen European Strategic Forum Full Conference Day