European Defence & Security Summit 2026 – Brussels, Belgium
Overview
The European Defence & Security Summit 2026 is a premier high-level forum dedicated to shaping the future of European sovereign protection and industrial cooperation. Held at the historic Egmont Palace in Brussels, this two-day event serves as the primary bridge between the European Union’s institutional leadership and the private defense sector. As geopolitical shifts demand a more integrated European defense strategy, the 2026 summit focuses on moving from strategic reflection to the concrete implementation of large-scale defense industrial programs and joint procurement initiatives.
The summit program is meticulously designed to address the most urgent security challenges facing the continent, including the expansion of the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the scaling of the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS). Participants engage in high-level debates regarding the modernization of military capabilities, the integration of disruptive technologies such as autonomous systems, and the hardening of critical infrastructure against hybrid threats. The event facilitates a transparent dialogue among EU officials, national defense ministers, and top-tier industrial executives to ensure a resilient and technologically advanced European defense technological and industrial base.
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Beyond the strategic sessions, the event acts as a powerful catalyst for cross-border partnerships and industrial consolidation. Attendees explore the intersection of civilian and military innovation, focusing on how dual-use technologies can drive economic growth while enhancing national security. By bringing together the entire ecosystem—from major prime contractors to innovative SMEs—the summit provides a comprehensive roadmap for building a more autonomous and secure Europe. The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it outlines the investment priorities for the next multi-annual financial framework.
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Event Highlights
- Institutional Keynote Sessions: Direct addresses from European Commissioners and high-ranking NATO officials regarding the synchronization of trans-atlantic and European defense efforts.
- Industrial Capability Roundtables: Deep-dive discussions on the development of next-generation combat systems, including air-land integration and maritime security innovations.
- Dual-Use Technology Showcase: A dedicated platform highlighting breakthroughs in satellite communications, cyber defense, and AI-driven intelligence gathering for military application.
- SME and Innovation Hub: Specialized networking sessions designed to integrate small and medium-sized enterprises into the European defense supply chain and procurement programs.
Why Attend
This summit is indispensable for executives, policymakers, and military advisors who are responsible for the strategic direction of European security. It offers unparalleled access to the decision-makers who define the funding priorities and regulatory frameworks for the continent’s defense industry. The event is ideal for business leaders seeking to understand the complexities of the European defense market and for governmental actors looking to align national interests with broader Union-wide security goals.
Attending the European Defence & Security Summit 2026 provides the strategic foresight necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. Participants benefit from the opportunity to forge high-level alliances and discover new opportunities for collaborative research and development projects. Whether your organization is focused on cyber-resilience or large-scale hardware manufacturing, this summit delivers the high-value connections and institutional insights required to maintain a competitive and secure presence in the global defense theater.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: June 23 and June 24, 2026
- Event Duration: 2 Days
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Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold through the European Business Summits official registration portal on their website.
- Admission Type: Professional delegate passes are required for entry, providing access to all plenary sessions, workshops, and networking lunches.
- Ticket Pricing: Delegate fees typically range from $945 to $1,750 based on the registration tier and organization type.
- Special Seating Options: Seating for all high-level debates within the Egmont Palace is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for registered attendees.
- VIP Options: Enhanced access passes are available for corporate partners, including private bilateral meeting rooms and invitation-only executive dinners.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Brussels, Belgium
- Venue Name: Egmont Palace
- Google Maps Address: Pl. du Petit Sablon 8, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
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Contact Information
- Email: info@ebsummit.eu
- Phone Number: +32 2 349 3 592
- Official Website: https://ebsummits.eu/our-summits/european-defence-security/
- Social Media Links:
- https://x.com/ebsummiteurope
- https://instagram.com/ebsummiteurope/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-business-summit
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Brussels Airport (BRU) is approximately 9.3 miles from the Egmont Palace.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: The Louise/Louiza Metro station and Brussels-Central train station are both within a 10-minute walk of the venue.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The Petit Sablon bus stop is served by lines 33, 38, 71, and 95, providing easy access from across the city.
- Parking Availability: Public parking is available in the vicinity at the Parking Poelaert and Parking Sablon-Poelaert facilities.
- Directions by Car: Accessible via the Brussels Inner Ring Road (R20), with the palace located in the historic Sablon district.
What is this event?
The European Defence & Security Summit 2026 is a major strategic gathering focused on the advancement of the European Union’s defense capabilities and security architecture. It serves as a meeting point for political leaders, military officials, and industrial executives to coordinate defense policies and industrial efforts.
The summit explores the implementation of new defense initiatives and the mobilization of investment for technological innovation. It is recognized as one of the most influential platforms for discussing the European Union’s strategic autonomy and collective security.
Why is it popular?
The event is popular due to the high concentration of high-ranking decision-makers, including EU Commissioners, Ministers of Defence, and CEOs of major defense contractors. It provides a rare opportunity for direct dialogue between the public and private sectors on high-stakes security matters.
Its popularity is also driven by the prestigious setting of the Egmont Palace and the quality of the technical and strategic insights shared. As security remains a top priority for Europe, this summit has become an essential date for anyone involved in the defense industrial complex.
Attendee Experiences
- The summit offered a fantastic opportunity to discuss upcoming procurement projects directly with the policymakers involved.
- I was very impressed by the caliber of the sessions on cyber defense and the networking opportunities with the major defense primes.
- The historical setting of the Egmont Palace provided a perfect backdrop for such serious and important strategic discussions.
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FAQ's
Who should attend the European Defence & Security Summit?
The event is designed for senior executives in the defense and security industries, government officials, military officers, and policy analysts. It is also highly relevant for representatives from NGOs and international organizations involved in security research. The summit is a professional environment focused on high-level strategic and industrial networking.
Are the summit sessions open to the press?
Yes, accredited media members are permitted to attend the plenary sessions and specific press briefings throughout the two-day event. Media representatives must register in advance through the official portal and undergo a security vetting process. This ensures that the key policy outcomes of the summit are communicated to the wider public and industry stakeholders.
What is the focus of the 2026 edition?
The 2026 summit focuses on "Securing Europe’s Future" through the implementation of the European Defence Industrial Strategy. Key topics include the integration of AI into tactical operations, the scaling of the European defense supply chain, and collective responses to hybrid and cyber threats. The agenda reflects the latest shifts in the European geopolitical landscape.
How can my company partner with the summit?
Companies interested in sponsoring or partnering with the summit can find information on the official European Business Summits website. Partnerships offer increased visibility, access to exclusive VIP areas, and the ability to host thematic workshops or innovation showcases. Early application is recommended as these partnership opportunities are highly sought after by major industrial players.
Is there a strict security protocol at the venue?
Given the high-level nature of the summit and the presence of governmental and military officials, strict security measures are in place at the Egmont Palace. All attendees must present a valid passport or national ID card upon entry. Badges must be worn at all times, and attendees should expect security screenings similar to those found at international airports.
