Speech by Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans: ‘How do we keep Europe free and safe?’

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On Monday, 17 February 2025, Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans will deliver a speech in Maastricht, discussing Dutch defence policy within NATO and the EU. The speech, which is free to attend, is open to everyone and will take place from 15.00 to 16:15 at Centre Céramique. The event is organised by Studio Europa Maastricht, partner of Maastricht University.

Minister Brekelmans’ speech takes place exactly one week before the commemoration of three years of war in Ukraine, following the large-scale Russian invasion on 24 February 2022. The return of war to the European continent has presented European leaders with new security challenges, which have become even more pronounced since Donald Trump’s re-election.

What is the Dutch position regarding a possible peace agreement in Ukraine? What does the future of NATO look like? What role can the Netherlands play in strengthening Europe’s defence capacity? Under the moderation of journalist Eva Hartog, foreign correspondent for POLITICO, Minister Brekelmans will address these questions and take questions from the audience.

Programme

  • 15.00 - 15.10: Welcome by Rianne Letschert, President of Maastricht University
  • 15.10 - 15.20: Opening by Eva Hartog, foreign correspondent for POLITICO
  • 15.20 - 15.45: Speech by Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmanss
  • 15.45 - 16.00: Conversation between Eva Hartog and Minister Brekelmans
  • 16.00 - 16.15: Q&A with the audience
  • 16.15 - 16.20: Closing remarks by Wim Hupperetz, Director of Centre Céramique
  • 16.20 - 17.30: Reception & Guided Tour of the Maastricht Museum

 

Click here to register.

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