In an increasingly complex global geopolitical scenario, between military and tariff wars, the EU is called to take a stand. The joint decision of the European Commission and the Member States to invest 800 billion euros to face new military, physical and cyber threats, will be discussed during the event Connact Defense & Security 2025, Entitled “European Common Defence: Financing and Industrial Integration”, organized by Connact, the events platform that promotes the comparison between private individuals and institutions through moments of meeting and networking, scheduled for Tuesday 15 April, in Rome, at Space Europe. Numerous institutional presences will intervene in the debate, among others the Undersecretary of Defense Matteo Perego di Cremnago.
What will we talk about
European Plan and White Paper for EU Defence: A New Dimension for Europe, this is the first panel that will focus on the political and military aspects of European programs and the transatlantic dimension. The debate will be attended by Elena Donazzan, MEP, ITRE Vice-President and SEDE Member, Lorenzo Cesa Member of Parliament, President of the Italian Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Marco Peronaci, Permanent Representative of Italy to NATO, Dario Giacomin, Italian military representative to the NATO and EU Military Committees, Dominic Ciotti, Director of Armament Program Coordination of the General Secretariat of Defense/DNA and Anne Fort, EU Commission, Deputy Head of Cabinet of Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
The industry's response. The second panel will then be an in-depth look at the role of European industry, with the participation of Stephen Pontecorvo Leonardo SpA, president, Pier Roberto Folgiero, Fincantieri, CEO and General Manager and Domitilla Benigni, CEO & COO Elettronica SpA, chairman CY4GATE SpA
Strengthening Europe's defence industry and military capabilities. Finally, the third and final panel will focus on more operational aspects: how to foster investments to strengthen industrial cooperation and increase European military capabilities through interventions Paolo Borchia, MEP, member of ITRE, ECON, TRAN, Massimiliano Salini, MEP, ENVI and SEDE member, Nicola Zingaretti MEP, member of AFET and ITRE, François Arbault, EU Commission, Director Defence Industry DG DEFIS, Milena Messori, EIB Group, Head of the Rome Office and Head of the Infrastructure, Energy and Public Sector Italy – Malta Division and Luke D'Agnes, CDP Equity, director of Investment Technology Strategy.
The event will close with the commentary of Matteo Perego of Cremnago, Undersecretary of Defense. The event will open with institutional greetings from Charles Corazza, Director of the European Parliament Office in Italy and of Claudio Casini*, Director of the Representation of the EU Commission in Italy.
The promoters. The event is in collaboration with the European Parliament, with the patronage of the European Commission, the Ministry of Made in Italy Enterprises, the Defense Industries Agency, CTNA - National Aerospace Technology Cluster, the Basilicata Region, the Lazio Region, the Marche Regional Council, the Tuscany Region. Promoted by Fincantieri, Leonardo and ELT Group. Thanks to Claren Tools srl, Acs Aeronautical Consulting And Solutions Srl, Astroflex Spa, Northrop Grumman Italia.
*to be confirmed
