In an increasingly volatile and unpredictable geopolitical environment, the reinforcement of defence readiness and capabilities at the European level remains central for the security of the continent and its alliances. The renewed impetus given to the defence relationship between France and the United Kingdom, as underlined by the ‘refresh’ of the Lancaster House treaties and the signature of the Northwood Declaration in July 2025, has helped strengthen European defence, based on strong conventional and nuclear deterrent capabilities.

Beyond the deepening process of the bilateral defence partnership between Paris and London, illustrated by the joint implementation of the Coalition of the Willing, the imperative for European countries is to make the continent more resilient by defining their own security interests and tackling together the main threats and challenges they are facing. This objective relies on the development of stronger synergies in the field of defence but also on the reinforcement of the resilience of European societies.

Admiral François-Xavier Polderman, the French Vice Chief of Defence, will discuss the actions implemented by the Joint Staff  to meet these security challenges at European level and how France, the United Kingdom and its allies in Europe can make European defence a most robust reality, through increased strategic autonomy.

The event will be moderated by Rachel Ellehuus, RUSI Director-General.