BIG events series

BIG hosted a webinar on 22 September 2026, moderated by Kate O’Riordan, examining the future of nuclear deterrence in Europe amid a more uncertain security environment, shaped by the war in Ukraine, Russia’s nuclear rhetoric, weakening arms-control frameworks, and shifting politics in Washington. The discussion explored the continued role of NATO and American extended deterrence, the contribution of Europe’s nuclear powers, and the political, operational, and strategic questions surrounding a greater European role in deterrence. Bringing together Jim Stokes, Mariana Budjeryn, and Łukasz Kulesa, the conversation considered how European allies can strengthen deterrence and reassurance while maintaining alliance cohesion and managing the risks of proliferation and escalation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded at BIG’s event on 17 September 2026, this discussion explored the future of European diplomacy at a time when Eurosceptic parties are increasingly seeking to reshape the European Union from within rather than leave it. Following the publication of Geopolitics of a Eurosceptic Union, authored by BIG Research Fellow Thomas Laffitte, the conversation examined what a Union governed by Eurosceptic parties across a majority of member states could mean for European unity, strategic decision-making, and the EU’s role in the world. The discussion brought together Thomas Laffitte, Pierre Vimont and Claude-France Arnould to consider the implications for European diplomacy, defence cooperation, and the geopolitical future of the EU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded at BIG’s event on 26 May 2026, this conversation explored how Europe can strengthen its competitiveness in an age of geoeconomics, against the backdrop of global instability, strategic rivalry, and the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Leading the discussion was RTÉ’s Europe Editor Tony Connelly, who spoke with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne about Europe’s economic resilience, technological sovereignty, industrial policy, and the geopolitical challenges shaping the continent’s future.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded at BIG's event on 7 May 2026, this panel discussion explored how Europe's defence industrial capacity can be leveraged and coordinated to bolster the continent's strategic autonomy in the light of the threat from Russia and American strategic abandonment. Leading the conversation was BIG's Senior Defence Fellow Claude-France Arnould, who formerly served as Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency. She asked Indra Group's David Luengo and SAAB's Mikael Isaksson about Europe's home-grown potential - and what it needs to flourish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded at BIG’s event on 7 May 2026, this exchange of insights on the urgent challenge of European digital sovereignty brought together two of its leading advocates: Marietje Schaake, International Policy Director at the Stanford University Cyber Policy Center as well as a former MEP (2009-19), and Paul Timmers, professor at KU Leuven and European University Cyprus, and a former Director at the European Commission’s DG CONNECT. How can Europe become a competitive player in the digital revolution – and avoid a dystopian scenario in which the tools of tomorrow's prosperity are outsourced to MAGA and its Silicon Valley acolytes? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.