- 200 days to go until the exhibition opens: EUDEX brings together politics, the military and industry
- Parliamentary evening focusing on European security architecture
In 200 days, the Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) will open at Messe Essen. Now, the new international trade fair for the security and defence industry has sent out a strong political signal. At the Parliamentary Evening hosted by the German Parliamentary Society in Berlin, 120 high-ranking representatives from politics, diplomacy, the military, administration and industry came together to discuss key issues relating to European security architecture.
Against the backdrop of the changed security situation in Europe, the event deliberately tied in with the debate on the ‘turning point’ and underlined the Euro Defence Expo’s aim to create a platform for strategic dialogue and industrial innovation, as well as to promote civil-military cooperation.
This made it clear: EUDEX sees itself not merely as an industry gathering, but as a strategic catalyst for
security policy direction in Germany and Europe.
North Rhine-Westphalia as a key location
The evening was opened by Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and Head of the State Chancellery. In his speech, he emphasised North Rhine-Westphalia’s special role within the context of the European security architecture: “Without industrial substance, there is no military capability. North Rhine-Westphalia is the industrial backbone of this new era. With the Euro Defence Expo
, a distinct German trade fair format for the security and defence industry is emerging – a strong signal of European responsibility and technological expertise.”
Home Defence Division as a response to new threat scenarios
Major General Andreas Henne, Commander of the German Army’s Home Defence Division, then spoke on the topic “Home Defence Division – Response to the Threat to Germany”. In his presentation, he outlined the wide range of measures currently being taken by the German Army to protect the Federal Republic and emphasised: “Homeland security is a crucial component of Germany’s defence.”
Strong support for Essen as a trade fair venue
During the subsequent get-together, guests took the opportunity to exchange views in person and delve deeper into the discussions. In addition to the security policy context, the importance of Essen as a trade fair venue for the Euro Defence Expo was also highlighted. With its excellent infrastructure and long-standing B2B experience – for example, as the home of the internationally leading trade fair Security Essen and the JAPCC – it offers optimal conditions for an event with European aspirations.
Essen’s Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen emphasised: “Essen has been an internationally recognised venue for security trade fairs for decades. With the Euro Defence Expo, this profile is now being expanded to include the defence sector. The combination of strong industry partners, high logistical capacity and the experience of Messe Essen creates ideal conditions for a new platform with European appeal.”
EUDEX will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at Messe Essen. Further information is available at www.eurodefenceexpo.de
