Financial World in Europe – Strengthening Europe's Defence Capabilities by Financing European Security

13 October 2025

The international tensions arising from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are increasingly causing concern in Europe. In response, the European Commission has launched strategic initiatives to strengthen Europe’s defence capability.


Following the recent NATO decision and the commitment of member states to invest 5% of GDP in defence and security, it has become clear that Europe – and thus also Hesse – needs new financing formats to enable a fundamental shift in security policy.

With the new SAFE (Security Action for Europe) programme, the European Commission is providing an additional €150 billion for 2025 to bolster Europe’s defence capability, promote targeted innovation, and expand the EU-wide defence market. But are these financial resources and measures sufficient to make Europe truly capable of defending itself?


Discussion Impulses

- Is there a need for a political and regulatory reassessment of investments in security – particularly in future technologies such as drones and cyber defence?
- Should ESG criteria be adapted to facilitate lending to companies and SMEs active in the security sector?
- Is Europe’s financial sector – both public and private – prepared for the new security landscape?
- What impact will these measures have on society, capital markets, investment strategies, and businesses?


Focus on Hesse & Frankfurt

Frankfurt: A global financial centre and key hub for the European IT and server infrastructure, home to a thriving fintech scene and the TechQuartier innovation ecosystem.
Hesse: A geostrategically relevant transit state for NATO and US armed forces, Bundeswehr base with deep social roots, and a central public employer ensuring essential services and contributing to Europe’s defence readiness.
-SMEs and suppliers: Innovation drivers in defence and security technologies, key partners along the “Made in Germany” value chain, and vital contributors to Germany’s leading role within NATO.


With contributions from

Manfred Pentz (Hessian Minister of State for European Affairs and Reduction of Bureaucracy)
Thomas Groß (Helaba)
Jens Beckmann (Flotilla Admiral, Head of Military Policy, Permanent Mission of Germany to the EU)
Thomas Richter (BVI German Investment Funds Association)
Ulrike Franke, PhD
Guillaume de La Brosse (European Commission)
Michael Gahler (European Parliament)
Detlef Fechtner (Börsen-Zeitung)


Event Details

Date: 5 November 2025, from 6:00 PM
Location: Representation of the State of Hesse to the European Union
Rue Montoyer 21, Brussels

After the discussion: Evening reception & networking

Register now: https://bit.ly/43cFbro

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