Where’s Europe’s place in the geopolitical landscape today? How strong – or weak – are the 27 EU countries, both economically and politically? And how can European sovereignty be improved in times of crisis?
This DLD24 expert discussion, moderated by Tanit Koch (The European), brought together Benedikt Franke (Munich Security Conference), Daniel Metzler (Isar Aerospace) and Stephen Nundy (Lakestar) for answers.
Europe’s diversity is both an asset and a challenge, Metzler observes. “Everyone has a different idea, a different perception of things.”
He shares his experience of setting up the rocket company Isar Aerospace in Germany and running into difficulties with outdated infrastructure and bureaucracy.
On the upside, Sweden “realized that space technology is a key element for their national sovereignty”, Metzler recalls. “So it took them about two weeks and we had an offer on the table. Europe is great [in that respect] because we can actually move anywhere we want to.”
Benedikt Franke suggests that Europe’s attempts to improve sovereignty often seem reactive rather than proactive. “I’m convinced that Britain would still be part of the European Union if we, the European Union itself, had been better at communicating the benefits of European sovereignty”, he says.
Stephen Nundy discusses the lack of capital inflows in Europe, which hinders the growth of small companies. He also points out that European corporates are not taking enough risks with startups, unlike their U.S. counterparts.
“Look at our portfolio”, Nundy says. “I’ve got many companies based in the U.K. or in Germany where 70% of their revenues have been made in the U.S. Why are the European banks not buying their software? Why are the European corporates not buying their software, but the U.S. banks the U.S. corporates are?”
Watch the video to get details and further insights.
