Organised within the framework of the EU Security Iniative (EUSI), a strategic iniative of the EUI, in partnership with Łukasiewicz – ITECH and the Cyprus Forum, the Nicosia Dialogue followed previous editions held in Warsaw in April 2025 and Copenhagen in December 2025. The event convened 35 leading defence experts from 11 EU Member States and Norway. High-level participants included Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski, Cypriot Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas, and former High Representative Federica Mogherini.
A recurring theme throughout the Dialogue was the disconnect between Europe’s expanding defence ambitions and its ability to translate these ambitions into coordinated action. Participants noted that while Europe has significantly expanded its defence toolbox in recent years, implementation remains constrained by fragmented decisionmaking and uneven political commitment.
The opening session ‘European Security Reloaded’, examined proposals to redesign Europe’s security strategy and institutions in response to a rapidly changing geopolitical environment and growing calls for a stronger and more coherent European security architecture. Discussions explored how Europe can adapt its institutions to evolving threats, including proposals such as a European Security Council and renewed debates surrounding a new European Security Strategy.
A session dedicated to hybrid threats and coercion, featuring former High Representative Federica Mogherini, examined the increasingly blurred lines between internal and external security challenges. Discussions focused on cyber threats, disinformation, economic coercion, and other forms of hybrid pressure that require more integrated responses across governments, institutions, and industries.
The programme also featured a fireside conversation with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who reflected on Europe’s changing strategic environment, the implications of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the growing urgency for Europe to strengthen its preparedness and resilience amid evolving transatlantic dynamics.
Another key area of discussion centred on Europe’s defence industrial base and initiatives such as SAFE. Participants debated how increased defence spending can be transformed into sustainable industrial capacity, stronger supply chains, and more effective cooperation across European industries. Discussions highlighted that industrial fragmentation and nationally driven approaches continue to limit Europe’s ability to scale collective capabilities.
“Across all discussions, one message stood out clearly,” concluded Michal Matlak, EUI Senior Fellow and ITECH Director: “ Europe largely possesses the instruments it needs, but too often lacks the political will to use them.”
The forthcoming EUSI Dialogue will be held in Dublin this autumn.