Europe’s security and the development of the defence sector – PONAR Wadowice at the Athens Defence Conference

The main theme of this year's conference was "Building Europe's Secure Future: Strategic Autonomy, Regional Stability and Industrial Resilience". The event brought together representatives of public administration, the armed forces, expert communities and the defence industry, becoming a platform for discussion on European security, cooperation within NATO and the challenges facing the Eastern Mediterranean region.

In the face of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, now in its fifth year, the participants discussed strengthening European resilience, modernising procurement programmes and new mechanisms for financing the development of defence capabilities. Many speeches also emphasised the importance of the defence industry as a source of technological innovation and a stimulus for economic growth.

PONAR Wadowice S.A. was represented at the conference by Mr Jacek Zygmunt, Advisor to the Company's Management Board, Member of the Board of PK MIL SA who participated in meetings and discussions dedicated to contemporary challenges in the field of security and the development of the European defence industry. The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Greece, Mr Wojciech Ponikiewski, took part in a panel discussion on the modernisation of the deterrence system, Greek defence procurement, technological innovation and the future of the Greek defence industry.

The event set new directions for the European arms industry, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in the face of current threats. Today's security architecture is forcing European countries to tighten cooperation between the European Union and NATO, which will directly translate into new standards and dynamics in defence projects.