Rebuild Ukraine Forum 2026 / Panel XIIIa / 23 October 2026

The discussions centered on post-war deterrence, dual-use technology cooperation, rapid battlefield innovation and building robust joint industrial production frameworks between Europe and Ukraine. Opening the panel, Hans Damen underscored the critical importance of dual-use systems and advanced defence capabilities. Sergii Goncharov pointed out that military technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, as what was acceptable in 2022 is nearly obsolete today, stressing that front-line innovations (ranging from battlefield robotisation and drone medical evacuations to firefighting applications) highlight the immense value of Ukraine’s combat-tested expertise.

Continuing the debate, Daniela Lazanu praised Ukraine’s immense sacrifice in safeguarding Europe’s stability, highlighting mutual investment opportunities where Romanian and Ukrainian companies collaborate closely while adhering to European standards. Alina Frolova provided compelling examples of infrastructure resilience, noting how Ukrainian railways are repaired within hours after massive strikes, and attributed Ukraine’s innovation success to an open-platform approach allowing real-time battlefield testing. At the same time, Frolova warned that excessive bureaucracy, traditional industrial lobbies and rigid procurement systems stifle innovation, calling for a complete overhaul of research and development (R&D) frameworks.

Examining the regional landscape, Piotr Małecki raised critical questions about how allied nations are using the current window to prepare for future threats, noting that deeper trust and regional cohesion between Poland and Ukraine are essential to overcome protectionist tendencies, eliminate Chinese supply chain dependencies and maximise the impact of major defence allocations (such as Poland and Romania’s €60 billion military investments). Finally, Vlad Duhan presented the newly established ROMDEF association (comprising 23 members after just 5 months), emphasising that ultimate post-war deterrence relies on producing, storing and mobilising resources faster than any potential aggressor, with general infrastructure serving as a vital dual-use asset.