EUDEX Conference Brings Civilian and Military Security Together in Essen
The EUDEX Conference by CPM will take place on 22 and 23 September as part of the inaugural Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) at Messe Essen, focusing on total defence, societal resilience, and cooperation between the civilian and military sectors. The trade fair, running from 22 to 25 September, is expected to bring together more than 350 exhibitors from 19 countries, including companies, procurement organisations, the Bundeswehr, government agencies, and other stakeholders from the security and defence sectors.
A distinctive feature of the event is that it will be held concurrently with Security Essen, bringing civilian and military security together in a shared exhibition environment. Over the two-day conference, representatives from the military, politics, public administration, industry, healthcare, and civil protection will discuss how to strengthen Germany’s defence capabilities and societal resilience, covering topics ranging from civil-military cooperation and crisis prevention to healthcare and NBC protection. The programme will open on 22 September with a keynote address by retired Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, former Inspector General of the German Army, entitled “Rethinking Total Defence”, focusing on civil-military cooperation as a prerequisite for national resilience. On the second day, discussions will address NATO’s military-strategic development, healthcare provision in times of crisis, and cooperation between government and industry in security preparedness.
“The current challenges show very clearly that civil and military security can no longer be considered in isolation from one another,” said Julia Jacob, Head of Project at Euro Defence Expo, adding that EUDEX and Security Essen are creating a space where stakeholders from both sectors can connect, exchange knowledge, and develop new approaches to solutions. Attendance at the conference is free of charge for registered EUDEX visitors, although advance registration for the trade fair is required.
Organisers also note that a Security Essen ticket does not grant access to EUDEX.
