Athens Defence Conference

The Athens Defence Conference aims to address critical themes surrounding strategic autonomy, regional stability, and industrial resilience within the context of the Eastern Mediterranean. This event is designed to provide an intelligent and inclusive agenda that reflects the urgency of contemporary geopolitical dynamics while also considering the long-term strategic priorities of Greece, the EU, NATO, and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region. Notably, it will examine the role of Greece in EU defense integration, emphasizing the significance of its strategic ports and bases as logistical anchors in the region. The conference seeks to explore whether defense can become a catalyst for Europe's economic growth, highlighting Greece's potential as a strategic military production and innovation hub in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Southeast Europe (SEE).The conference will feature a diverse array of speakers, including defense leaders, policymakers, industry stakeholders, academics, and regional experts, who will engage in discussions on a variety of pressing topics. These discussions will cover modernizing deterrence through advancements in Greek defense procurement and technological innovations, with a particular emphasis on the impacts of drones, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare on the transformation of modern warfare. Additionally, the conference will delve into Greece's security posture within the context of East Mediterranean geopolitics and explore total defense strategies that involve societal participation in addressing security concerns. Other topics will include the future of nuclear non-proliferation, the greening of European defense practices, and opportunities for EU security and defense partnerships that can benefit the industry. As the event unfolds, it will serve as a platform to critically assess the implications of ongoing geopolitical challenges, particularly in light of the current conflict involving Russia's aggression against Ukraine.