The European Defence Forum exists to enable all those with an interest in defence and security – administrators of European institutions; members of armed forces; politicians; industrialists; academics and others – to exchange information and views.

It is non-partisan, holds no position of its own, and meets under Chatham House (confidential) terms. It includes especially personally invited people from the various institutions and a number of nations in Brussels eg. EDA; EU (DG’s covering Internal Market, Competition, JFS; Enterprise and Security Research; External Relations etc); NATO; EP; COREPER; Member State Embassies. Democratic legitimacy will be sought through discussion with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Initially it will act for administrative purposes, but independent and transcultural in remit and focus, within the framework of the successful UK Defence Forum (www.ukdf.org.uk).This will give members access to an extensive archive of papers on defence and security matters, as well as a daily email digest of defence headlines worldwide. A multilingual support facility is envisaged subsequently to sustain widest access and information flows. The administration will be based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK where co-location with the French and German consulates is being considered, and with access to facilities in Brussels.

Because of the nature of the material that will be discussed, in the early stages growth will be via trusted partners. If you would like to apply to be a trusted partner, email your details to EuDF@north-house.com

In all matters concerning the European Defence Forum, the decision of the Director is final (even when he’s wrong).