European policymakers, business leaders, and security experts have come together at the 61st Munich Security Conference to present the Munich Declaration 2025. This declaration outlines a bold vision for strengthening Europe’s defence and economic competitiveness.
The declaration was initiated by prominent figures including former President of the European Commission José Manuel Durão Barroso, Former Managing Director of the European Stability Mechanism Klaus Regling, and Chairman and Scientific Director of JEDI André Loesekrug-Pietri. It also includes contributions from other influential leaders such as Othmar Karas, President of the European Forum Alpbach, and Martin Schoeller, Entrepreneur.
The Munich Declaration 2025 outlines key commitments towards enhancing Europe’s security architecture, technological leadership, and strategic autonomy in an increasingly volatile and protectionist global environment.
One of the main focuses of the declaration is the call for a stronger coordination of military forces, increased defense spending to 3-4% of GDP, and the creation of a European DARPA-like agency to lead in AI, cyber, space, drones, and defense technologies. This will ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of innovation and able to respond to emerging threats.
Recognizing that economic power is the foundation of sovereignty, the declaration also emphasizes the urgent need for completing the EU Single Market, fostering the use of dual-use technologies such as AI-driven productivity, and enabling strategic investments in manufacturing, energy, and cloud infrastructure.
To achieve these goals, the declaration calls for regulatory adjustments, more trade agreements, and a capital markets union. It also highlights the importance of sustainable financing through increased private and public investment in defense, technology, and infrastructure. The declaration suggests utilizing existing European financing instruments such as a European infrastructure bond market or the European Stability Mechanism to fund these initiatives.
The Munich Declaration 2025 proposes decisive steps towards a more resilient Europe, ensuring security, prosperity, and strategic independence. The signatories urge European governments, institutions, and industry to act swiftly to implement the outlined measures.
To support this initiative, the European Forum Alpbach will provide a platform for security policy dialogue at the EFA25, with the European Defence Union as a key track topic in the “Security” track.
The Europe Panel is hosted by the European Forum Alpbach, The Bavarian Family Entrepreneur Association, and The Joint European Disruptive Initiative (JEDI). It is an official side event at the premises of the Munich Security Conference 2025.
For further information or interview requests, please contact Prof. Dr. Josef Arweck at +49 (0)15734762499 or arweck@bernstein-group.com.
The full Munich Declaration 2025 can be found at www.munichdeclaration.org.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.