Women have served in diverse and impactful roles throughout European military history. Despite their contributions, women remain a minority within the armed forces. Today, as the EU prioritises the UN Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and NATO adapts its 2018 WPS policy to address current security challenges, a significant transformation is underway. In this episode, we investigate the barriers that hinder women from joining and advancing within the military. We also assess EU and Member States’s strategies to enhance women's participation, and review the progress made to date.

In a time of rapid innovation, many EU countries lag in research and development investment, while investors grapple with ethical concerns and the defence sector's public image. As technology evolves, questions arise about innovation dynamics, financing sustainability, and industry strength. Federica Valente (EDA) and Jan Pie (Aerospace, Security & Defence Industries Association of Europe) provide insights into innovation shifts, EDA's Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), and financing strategies. We also explore nurturing innovation culture, political support, and improving industry-government partnerships.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are revolutionizing modern technology and warfare. With João Caetano (EDA) and Ross McKenzie (NATO), we discuss drones' rapid transformation and key role, especially in conflicts such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We cover legal and ethical topics in warfare and civilian use, military drones' integration into civilian airspace, and NATO-EDA cooperation. Lastly, we explore the potential for fully autonomous operations in the future.

Military mobility is crucial for the rapid and efficient movement of military assets across Europe. Against today’s geopolitical backdrop, we explore why enhancing military mobility is essential for a strong European defence. We also discuss the concept of a "military Schengen," the challenges of transporting military resources, and the initiatives by the EU, EDA, and NATO to improve mobility. We also discuss funding issues and balancing security with transparency. Join Major General André Denk (EDA) and General Ben Hodges (former Commanding General US Army Europe) for an in-depth discussion. 

Cyber defence plays a crucial role in protecting EU citizens. With David Lopez Antunes (EDA) and Merle Maigre (e-Governance Academy), we discuss the nature and evolution of cyber threats, their impact on conflicts such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the ethics of cyber attacks. We also address the question for a unified European cyber strategy, EDA's initiatives to enhance Member States' cyber defence, and hear insights from the private sector. Lastly, we highlight the most disruptive emerging technologies in cyberspace. 

In this special episode, we delve into the history and achievements of the European Defence Agency (EDA) as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Join us as we explore the pivotal moments, challenges overcome, and the evolving role of the EDA in shaping European defence. We feature insights from EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý and EDA’s first Chief Executive Nick Witney, now with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). 

Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time and also for the defence and security sectors. We know that militaries are a heavy polluter and they are even defined by some as significant contributors to climate change. In this final episode of the series, we ask Maja Kuzel, EDA's Project Officer for Energy Support, and Constantinos Hadjisavvas, Project Officer for Energy, how EU defence can become greener, less polluting, and help build a more sustainable future for all.

EU leaders have pledged to protect EU citizens and their values. But we've also seen that Russia's war in Ukraine has given NATO a sense of renewal and it is in fact NATO that many European governments have gravitated towards. In this third episode, we discuss with Maxime Roclore, EDA Senior Policy Officer, where the European Union fits into the puzzle of collective defence and what exactly it means to broaden and deepen cooperation between NATO and the EU.

After years of declines in defence spending, it's safe to say there's a new political will to reinforce the European defence industry. In this second episode, we discuss with Pieter Taal, EDA’s Head of Unit for Industry Strategy & EU Policies, whether the European defence industry is in good shape, if there is enough cooperation between countries and industry, and whether there can ever be a pan-European defence industry.

Polls show citizens expect the EU to protect them. We've witnessed Russia's senseless invasion of Ukraine, but we already have national militaries and NATO. In this first episode, we discuss with Jiří Šedivý, EDA’s Chief Executive, why we need EU defence cooperation and why the EU should have the capacity to act.