Europe’s New Tech‑Security Blueprint

The 62nd gathering in Munich began on February 13, 2026, and it feels different from past meetings. For many years the conference was all about aircraft, soldiers, and treaties. Now cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure sit right next to tanks on the agenda. German leaders highlighted that Europe’s post‑World War II order is slipping. They warned that both digital and geopolitical defenses can’t be taken for granted. The conference’s sponsors, such as the Tech Strategy Initiative, made it clear that technology is no longer a side issue but part of mainstream security debate. During the first day, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe must not assume its digital or military armor is unbreakable. Cyber attacks, disinformation and missiles were discussed together, showing that security now includes more than just physical weapons. German intelligence leaders pushed for greater freedom to counter hybrid threats, especially cyber sabotage linked to rival states. French President Emmanuel Macron used his keynote to argue that Europe needs to become a geopolitical power. He added that this means building domestic tech capabilities and digital resilience, not just military strength. The conference also highlighted how technology is woven into Europe’s strategic autonomy narrative. The EU has long focused on digital sovereignty through regulation, the AI Act and data protection. In Munich these topics were tied directly to defense priorities. Experts said that cyber resilience is no longer a niche issue; it is a core national security concern.Traditional defense without a digital strategy is now seen as obsolete. Defense analysts warned that critical infrastructure—from power grids to supply chains—is already being targeted, requiring coordinated public‑private responses. If governments treat cyber and AI as strategic assets, they will push industry toward higher security standards, encourage homegrown innovation, and favor interoperable defense technologies. European leaders acknowledged that alliances with the United States remain important but cannot be the sole source of security. This has led to discussions about tailoring AI standards to European norms, investing in sovereign semiconductor supply chains, and building digital infrastructure less dependent on external cloud services. European cyber chiefs are even considering an “own Five Eyes” model to share intelligence among member states. The conference underscored that Europe is redefining its role in a world where digital and geopolitical risks are inseparable. Policymakers, defense chiefs, and industry leaders now see modern threats as strategic issues that shape alliances, domestic policy, and industrial priorities. Calls for stronger cyber capabilities, renewed emphasis on strategic autonomy, and technological resilience point to a future where technology is a pillar of security policy. For Europe’s tech ecosystem, this means that regulatory agendas, investment flows, and public‑private cooperation will be guided not only by innovation goals but also by national and collective security needs.