The Military Balance of Power in Europe

The urgent necessity of supplying Ukraine with the military materiel to sustain its fight for survival has revealed the absolute lack of depth of Europe’s armed forces. Low stocks and limited defence industrial capacity have severely constrained European support to Ukraine. In several areas, even the US capacity is not as limitless as many imagined. Nevertheless, thanks to its willpower and courage, and with Western support, Ukraine is holding – but Russia too is mobilising ever more military potential. Moreover, for the US, China, not Russia, remains the priority threat. What does this say about the military balance of power in Europe, both today and over the coming years?

This event, organised at the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, by The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy (CSDS) and the Egmont Institute. With an audience of over 80 persons, the event saw a presentation on the IISS’ 2023 Military Balance and a panel discussion on European defence investments, joint procurement and acquisition. The event was opened by Admiral Yves Dupont, Commandant, Royal Military Academy and Ir. Yvan De Mesmaeker, Secretary-General, Athena. Chaired by Prof. Dr Sven Biscop, Egmont Institute and Ghent University, the panellists included Dr Bastian Giegerich, Director of Defence and Military Analysis, IISS, James Hackett, Editor of The Military Balance, IISS, Fenella McGerty, Senior Fellow for Defence Economics, IISS, and Dr Daniel Fiott, Head of the Defence and Statecraft Programme, CSDS. The event was supported by Athena.