Returning after our long winter break, in this episode (recorded on NATO’s 75th Anniversary) we are joined by our colleague Falk Schoening from our Brussels office to discuss the European Union's (EU) €1.5 billion plan to boost defense production and the release of the EU’s first-ever defense industrial strategy. We highlight the EU's transition towards addressing security challenges collaboratively, and the significance of the EU defense strategy as a departure from previous civil-centric approaches. We explore cross-border procurement challenges and efforts to streamline regulations and foster collaboration to enhance defense industrial capabilities among EU members. We also talk about capital flows into Europe and increasing investment in defense companies after years of underinvestment at a time when current security threats are generating a greater sense of urgency. The conversation extends to Europe's role in supporting Ukraine amidst geopolitical tensions, including Germany's supply effort. We touch upon Europe's perspective on US-China tensions and the implications for EU-China relations. Finally, we discuss Europe’s preparedness for potential U.S. policy shifts ahead of this year's U.S. election.