PRIO’s researcher Nicolas Marsh and Research Professor Bruno Oliveira Martins have published new research in a special issue of the esteemed journal European Security. Marsh serves as guest editor of the special issue and co-authors two articles, while Martins co-authors an article examining the societal implications of emerging defence technologies.
The special issue Arming Europe – reconceptualising European defence production are split into several articles that examine how global events and the changing security field are transforming the way Europe approaches defence production, security cooperation and technological innovation. While many sectors were impacted by the war in Ukraine, the field of defence and security may be among the few to undergo such a fundamental transformation.
European rearmament represents a broader transformation
The special issue argues that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the withdrawal of the USA from its leadership have affected more than an increase in European defence budget. Several contributions describe the latest chapter in the European Union’s evolution from a project primarily associated with peace and economic integration towards one that is increasingly engaged in defence and security. While NATO remains an important part of European defence, the European Commission has emerged as an increasingly important actor in the defence industrial policy, financing and coordination. A recurring theme throughout the special issue is the growing interconnectedness of European defence industries. Thus, the authors argue that the traditional tendency to view security and defence through a purely national lens, is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. The special issue show that modern European defence production relies on complex cross-border supply chains, shared technologies and collaboration between governments, research institutions and industry. European defence companies are becoming closely integrated in a much broader European industrial ecosystem, rather than just operating independently.
Innovation in defence
The societal consequences of these developments are further explored in Disruptive technology and the high-risk/high-gain logic: societal impacts of European rearmament. While the concept of "European rearmament" often evokes increased defence spending and traditional military equipment such as tanks, aircraft and ammunition. The special issue highlights how this transformation also consists of innovative systems, dual-use technologies and experimentation. Emerging and disruptive technologies, including AI, advanced semiconductors, autonomous systems, biotechnology and drones, are becoming more important to European defence.
Democratic oversight and tensions?
However, the authors raise questions about democratic oversight, public investment priorities, and the overlap between military and civilian research. As technology development, scientific research and supply chains are increasingly linked to defence objectives, broader questions of governance and accountability emerge. The special issue also touches on the tensions between national and European interests. While defence remains closely connected to national sovereignty, several contributions describe a system of "coordinated sovereignty", in which national governments retain key decision-making powers while EU institutions provide funding, coordination and industrial strategy
Public understanding has also shifted. The article From national arsenals to European defence: changes in media framings of European defence industries, 2004–2024 shows that defence industries are no longer framed solely as pillars of national security. Instead, media narratives increasingly portray them as contributors to European security and strategic autonomy.
The special issue comes at a time when questions surrounding European rearmament, defence cooperation and technological innovation are receiving growing attention from both researchers and policymakers. These topics were also central to discussions during European Security Week 2026 earlier this year, including the events The politics of European rearmament and Rethinking European security: technology, energy and diplomacy. Together, the contributions demonstrate that European rearmament is reshaping not only military capabilities, but also the relationships between governments, industry, research institutions and European organisations.
