On June 23, 2025, JEF Belgium participated in a significant debate on the future of European defence, held at the NRW Representation in Brussels in cooperation with the Europaunion Brussels. This event marked the final major engagement of the 2024-2025 mandate.
The discussion featured prominent figures including Commissioner Andrius Kubilius and his Head of Cabinet, Simonas Šat?nas; Nathanael Liminski, NRW Minister for Federal & European Affairs; MEP Hannah Neumann; and Professor Dr. Guntram Wolff from Bruegel. The debate was moderated by Ilka Wölfle of Europaunion Brussels.
Key Commission proposals were examined, including the SAFE instrument, Defence Omnibus Simplification, joint procurement targets, and the ReArm Europe roadmap. The central question revolved around whether these measures would genuinely enhance EU cohesion, streamline procurement, and achieve strategic autonomy.
As President of the Young European Federalists Belgium, Kalojan Hoffmeister emphasized that all current steps must serve as foundational elements for a genuine European political union. He underscored the critical importance of these developments for Europe to secure its position on the global stage, stating that the future of current and succeeding generations depends on these efforts.
Kalojan concluded the evening by underlying: “Because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Let 2025 not become a new 1954, when the defence community failed. The future of our generation and those to come depends on it.”
