The Polish NCBR Office in Brussels, together with Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation (Ł-ILOT) and the Polish Armament Group (PGZ), and with the support of the Ministry of Defence, invite you to an event dedicated to shaping the future of European defence cooperation under the European Defence Fund (EDF). This dynamic discussion and brokerage event, titled “Forging Alliances for European Security”, will provide a platform to exchange ideas, present project concepts, and foster cooperation in defence research and innovation within the EDF and the wider European defence community. Key Objectives: Foster EDF community engagement Strengthen cross-border collaboration Drive innovation for a more unified and resilient European defence sector Event Details: Date: 22 September 2025 Time: 14:00 – 19:00, followed by a networking reception Venue: Rue Belliard 40, Brussels (5th floor) Mark your calendars and join this important occasion to help shape the next chapter of European defence innovation. The detailed agenda will be shared closer to the event. Contact Person: Maciej Zdanowicz, EU Policy Advisor, NCBR Office in Brussels +32 488 477 284 e: maciej.zdanowicz@ncbr.gov.pl

In the framework of the European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR), the European Commission’s DG DEFIS, together with AED Cluster Portugal – the Portuguese Aeronautics, Space and Defence Industry Association – will host the European conference “Advancing European Cyber Defence and Cybersecurity: Technologies, Operations and Opportunities”. The event will take place on 1–2 October 2025 at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon. The conference will focus on the cyber domain and its central role in strengthening resilience and security across both civilian and defence sectors. Discussions will address emerging technologies and services such as quantum-secure communications, AI-enabled response, red teaming and blockchain applications. Further sessions will highlight operational preparedness, situational awareness, protection of networks and infrastructures, cyber vigilance and incident response. Attention will also be given to European instruments supporting dual-use innovation, defence R&D and cybersecurity. The event will bring together a wide European audience, including defence, aerospace and ICT companies, operational experts from both the military and civilian spheres, research institutions, academia, as well as institutional representatives and policymakers. Preliminary Agenda 1 October: Opening evening with keynote and networking cocktail 2 October: Full-day conference with plenary sessions, thematic panels, institutional contributions and B2B/F2F meetings Date: 1–2 October 2025 Location: Centro Cultural de Belém, Lisbon, Portugal More details on the agenda, confirmed speakers and registration can be found on event website here. 

As part of the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025, the SUD – Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region will host a session dedicated to defence on 14 October 2025 at 14:30 at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels. Titled “Regional and European Contributions to Defence: Aligning Priorities and Funding Strategies”, this event will address how regional and European actors can work together to strengthen Europe’s defence industry at a time of increasing security and sovereignty challenges. The 90-minute policy debate will bring together European and regional representatives to exchange views on how to support the defence sector. The discussion will focus on experiences, best practices, innovative solutions, and the current challenges of aligning priorities and funding strategies in support of the European defence industry. Date: 14 October 2025 Time: 14:30 Location: European Committee of the Regions, Brussels, Belgium Registration is available via the official event link.

On 15 October 2025, from 14:30 to 16:00 CET, a session titled “Regions Strengthening the EU Defence Industry: Dual-use for a Resilient European Defence Innovation Ecosystem” will take place at Van Maerlant, VMA23, Brussels as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities. Regions and cities play a crucial role in tackling EU security and defence challenges. This session will examine how regional actions can reinforce a resilient European defence industry. Partner regions will share approaches on dual-use innovation, SME support, supply chain resilience, and strategies for the broader defence innovation ecosystem. The programme will highlight the role of regional innovation agencies and foster an interactive debate through political insights, success stories, and open discussion. The session also aims to produce a position paper outlining key recommendations for strengthening Europe’s security, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. Date: 15 October 2025 Time: 14:30 – 16:00 CET Location: Van Maerlant, VMA23, Brussels Registrater via this link!