On the occasion of the publication of The Military Balance 2026 by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), representatives from the IISS will present some of their major research findings and discuss the challenges facing Europe’s armed forces, as they reform and rearm to deter a resurgent Russia, and assume greater responsibility for the security of the continent.
This event is part of the series of Ghent Grand Strategy Workshops, which convene experts from the military, diplomatic and academic communities to discuss concrete options for how Europe (through the EU, NATO and their respective member states) can pursue its interests in a multipolar world. This series is co-organised by the Royal Higher Institute for Defence, Ghent University, the IISS and the Egmont Institute.
For this particular occasion, we are pleased to welcome Dr Bastian Giegerich, IISS’s Director-general and Chief Executive, as well as Mr James Hackett, Head of IISS’s Defence and Military Analysis Programme, and Mr Huw Williams, Senior Fellow and Editor of The Military Balance.
This conference will be held in English at the conference room at campus Renaissance (entrance: rue Hobbema 8/Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels) on Tuesday 3 March 2026 at 17:30. Simultaneous interpretation in Dutch and French will be available on site. Please note that online participation will not be possible.
Registration is required by Tuesday 24 February 2026 at the latest.
