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This brings together leading scholars and practitioners to examine how Europe’s accelerating rearmament, evolving EU defence initiatives and shifting US strategic commitments are reshaping the security choices of neutral EU member states. Through four focused interventions on Malta, Ireland and Austria - the panel explores how constitutional neutrality is being reinterpreted under contemporary pressures ranging from Russia’s war on Ukraine to hybrid threats, energy insecurity and changing expectations of European solidarity.

Colonel D. P. Attard assesses whether Malta can remain impartial in an era where neutrality increasingly coexists with EU political alignment. Dr Valentina Cassar analyses how Malta navigates its constitutional obligations while engaging in transatlantic security debates and EU support for Ukraine. Prof. Ken McDonagh discusses Ireland’s response to EU rearmament, its underinvestment in defence and the political challenges of shifting public attitudes. Professor Martin Senn examines the evolution of Austrian neutrality and its role within a transforming European security architecture.

Chaired by Prof. Roderick Pace, the event offers a comparative, forward looking discussion on how neutral states adapt their policies, identities and strategic choices in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.