This weekend, political leaders, military officials and diplomats gather at the Munich Security Conference to discuss Europe’s future security architecture and the state of the transatlantic alliance. Yet beyond the speeches and press briefings lies a deeper question: what direction is Europe actually taking?
To examine that question, DiEM25 co-founder Yanis Varoufakis and American economist and public policy analyst Jeffrey Sachs will meet in a special livestream discussion analysing the meaning, and implications, of Munich’s conclusions.
In recent years, European governments have increasingly framed politics through the language of security, deterrence and military preparedness. Concepts such as “strategic autonomy” are presented as steps toward independence, yet policy choices often appear to deepen existing alliances and dependencies rather than loosen them. The gap between rhetoric and reality is widening.
The conversation will unpack what the conference signals about NATO, the war in Ukraine and Europe’s room for diplomatic manoeuvre. Is the continent moving toward a permanent war footing? Are alternatives to escalation still politically possible? And who ultimately benefits from the path currently being set?
Rather than repeating official narratives, the livestream will examine the broader political economy behind security decisions – from defence spending priorities to geopolitical alignments – and explore whether Europe can still choose a different course.
Hosted by Mehran Khalili, the event will also give viewers the opportunity to submit questions live to the panel.
For anyone trying to understand not only what European leaders say, but what their decisions mean in practice, this discussion offers an essential opportunity to step back and see the bigger picture. Europe’s future is being shaped now – and the question of whether it becomes defined by diplomacy or permanent militarisation remains open.
Join us live and take part in the debate.
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