DIGITALEUROPE launches its Defence Executive Council

To bridge the gap between business and policy expertise and to advance the much-needed digital transformation of the defence industry, DIGITALEUROPE has launched its Defence Executive Council. The Council – comprising 9 senior executives from leading global technology, defence and cybersecurity companies – is committed to the modernisation, innovation and rapid adaptability of the Defence ecosystem.
 

Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director-General of DIGITALEUROPE, explains why this Council is so important: 

“Europe’s future security depends on digital technology, not just on ammunition and tanks. Modern warfare has shown that traditional defence systems alone cannot ensure security. Hybrid threats—cyberattacks, misinformation, and attacks on critical infrastructure—pose growing risks to Europe’s security and resilience. The question is: Are we prepared to defend against these evolving threats? 

The answer lies in innovation, rapid adaptability, and strong partnerships. Europe must move beyond traditional defence frameworks, leveraging industry expertise to develop advanced digital and dual-use technologies. Through the launch of the Defence Executive Council, we are bringing together senior industry leaders to shape a more resilient and competitive European defence sector.  

We need urgent action: enhancing collaboration with Ukraine, protecting critical infrastructure, accelerating production, and strengthening EU-NATO cooperation.” 

About the Defence Executive Council 

The Defence Executive Council is one of four Executive Councils at DIGITALEUROPE, alongside our Energy, Health and Finance Executive Councils. 

Bringing together senior leaders from across the defence ecosystem, the Council reflects the need for Europe to move beyond traditional defence frameworks, leveraging its industries and research capabilities to develop advanced dual-use technologies that can protect critical infrastructure and counter hybrid threats. 

With companies at the forefront of defence technology, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection, the Council leverages its business expertise to provide concrete examples and actionable insights needed to support the policy dialogue on the future of European defence.  

Members of DIGITALEUROPE’s Defence Executive Council