The 3rd Annual Greek Defence Industry Compass successfully concluded on 8 January, 2026 in Brussels, reaffirming its role as a key European platform for defence policy dialogue, industrial cooperation, and concrete business outcomes. This high-profile industry forum organized by the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materiel Association (SEKPY) under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, convened representatives from European institutions, defence organisations, industry leaders, SMEs, research centres, and financial stakeholders—highlighting the diversity and interconnectedness of the European defence ecosystem.
Dr. Elena Lazarou, Director General of ELIAMEP, moderated the first panel of the Forum: Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) & European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) – Opportunities and Implementation. The panel began with a keynote address by Prof. Ioannis Maniatis, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-President of the Party of European Socialists and Democrats (S&D). The panel also featured contributions from: Burkard Schmitt, Defence & Security Director, ΑeroSpace and Defence Industries Association, Jaako Siren, Head of Global Business NATO and EU Defence, Airbus Defence and Space, Ioannis Voutsinos, Managing Director & Head of EU Affairs & Funding at PwC, Greece, and Michalis Ketselidis, Senior Expert, European Commission
Dr. Lazarou guided the conversation which brought together perspectives from policy, research, and industry stakeholders. The discussion focused on the practical dimensions, opportunities, and strategic importance of the ECF in strengthening Europe’s defence competitiveness and autonomy. The panelists discussed the new EU initiatives in detail and made recommendations on their governance, procurement practices, intra-EU collaboration and achieving technological advantage, inter alia.
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