Friday 02 April 2010

Overview

The Security & Defence Agenda (SDA) is the only Brussels-based security and defence think-tank. Its activities span monthly roundtables, reports and discussion papers, international conferences and special press briefings and debates. It regularly brings together senior representatives from the EU institutions and NATO, with national government officials, industry, the international and specialised media, think-tanks, academia and NGOs.

With defence and security now critical issues in Brussels, the SDA raises awareness by anticipating the political agenda and focusing attention on European and transatlantic security and defence policies and challenges. 
 

Origins

The roots of the Security & Defence Agenda go back to early 2002. Under the patronage of Javier Solana, Chris Patten and George Robertson, the new think tank was launched to provide a neutral meeting point for defence and security specialists from NATO and the EU.

FORMATS

The SDA’s trademarks are its Monthly Roundtables, dynamic events that bring together some 100 policymakers, think-tankers, industry leaders, academics and media to discuss timely topics. Roundtables address such geo-strategic issues as the security implications of regional conflicts as well as thematic issues pertinent to the defence industry and European security and defence policy (ESDP). These events last approximatively four hours and serve as a medium for participants to exchange information in a concise, neutral and accessible format.

TOPICS

The SDA continuously monitors European and international security and defence policy developments to ensure that selected topics for roundtables, conferences, press dinners and publications are relevant and timely. Recent topics have included EU and NATO security strategies, cyber security, pandemic preparedness, the future of Afghanistan and EU-US defence cooperation.

  
Words from the time of the SDA’s launch

Javier Solana: “This is the sort of platform for new thinking and ideas that we need in Brussels to help forge consensus on common policies.”


Chris Patten: “I am delighted to be a co-patron. For too long, debates on defence and security in Brussels have been conducted in separate circles – almost in parallel universes.”


George Robertson: “This will undoubtedly enhance close cooperation and consultation between NATO and the EU to their mutual benefit.”

Funding

We are an independent organisation without institutional or corporate ties. The SDA’s funding comes from membership dues and event or report sponsorship from governments, companies and associations active in defence, security, transport, pharmaceuticals and IT. 

 
  

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