The European Commission, once a proponent of demilitarization, now leads efforts to enhance military capabilities, allowing member states to incur additional debt to boost defense budgets. This military push comes at a significant cost, raising questions about the exact price and who will bear it. In Brussels, defense companies have deployed numerous lobbyists, promoting the ‘ReArm’ Europe plan both as a strategic necessity and as a way to revitalize struggling industries. This highlights the presence of a military-industrial complex in the EU: a network of  industrials, policymakers, and military actors driving increased armament.

This event organised by SPUI25 will explore the costs of rapid militarization, both financially and normatively, examining who stands to gain and the potential unintended consequences of this massive capital transfer towards defense. 

Speakers:
- Gjovalin Macaj is Assistant Professor in peace and justice at Leiden University. 
- Wendela de Vries is researcher and co-founder of Stop Wapenhandel, a research-based campaign group.