Warsaw Security Forum

Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, has made it evident that defense and deterrence concerns, voiced for years by Central and Eastern European states, were for too long neglected by the wider transatlantic community. That same year, the Warsaw Security Forum was founded to give our region a strong voice and unite leaders committed to safeguarding the security of the Alliance. Guided by the Roman proverb Si vis pacem, para bellum — “If you want peace, prepare for war” — we built a platform to strengthen our ability to deter aggression and defend our shared values.

Over the past decade, the Forum has grown into one of Europe’s largest international security events. We now welcome over 2,500 delegates from more than 90 countries, with 60% joining us from beyond Poland’s borders. Heads of states & governments, ministers, military commanders, policymakers, experts, industry representatives and innovators gather each year to coordinate strategies, deepen interoperability, and reinforce the political will needed for credible deterrence across the Euro-Atlantic area.

In 2026, our mission is more urgent than ever. Our region and the Alliance face a complex polycrisis — from conventional threats to cyberattacks, disinformation, and hybrid warfare. The Ukrainian struggle for freedom reminds us that peace is never guaranteed and resilience demands an all-society & cross-industry approach. We remain resolute in our purpose, guided by the enduring Polish motto: “For Your Freedom & Ours.” We will continue to prepare, to defend, and to deter — because peace is best preserved through strength.

Europe has met Washington’s calls to shoulder more of the burden with budgets, weapons, and political will – not promises. The task for the Alliance and the Nordic-Baltic-Polish Group, as a frontline region, is to turn this momentum into a lasting, shared strategy.