EUDEX: 200 days to go until the Euro Defence Expo in Essen
There are 200 days left until the international Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX), which will take place in Essen. The new trade fair for the security and defence industry has already sent a strong political signal by organising a parliamentary evening in Berlin, where around 120 high-level representatives from politics, diplomacy, the military, public administration, and industry gathered to discuss the future of Europe’s security architecture.
The event was held at the German Parliament, with discussions focusing on the changing security situation in Europe and the need to strengthen cooperation between industry and military structures. The organisers emphasised that EUDEX aims to be more than just an industry trade fair — it seeks to serve as a platform for strategic dialogue, technological innovation, and enhanced civil-military cooperation in Europe.
The gathering was opened by Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, who highlighted the importance of a strong industrial base for Europe’s defence capabilities. He stressed that the region plays a key role as an industrial backbone of the new security policy developments in Europe.
Security challenges were also addressed by Major General Andreas Henne, Commander of the German Army’s Homeland Defence Division, who presented measures being implemented to protect Germany from emerging threats and underlined that homeland security is a crucial component of national defence.
During the final part of the event, participants also discussed the importance of Essen as a trade fair destination. The city has built a reputation over decades as an international hub for security exhibitions, particularly thanks to the Security Essen trade fair and its strong industrial infrastructure. Essen’s Mayor Thomas Kufen stated that Euro Defence Expo will further strengthen the city’s international profile as a centre for the security and defence industry.
The Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at Messe Essen. More information is available at: www.eurodefenceexpo.de
