Editorial VDE Policy Brief

Europe is experiencing a turning point. Russia’s hybrid warfare, attacks on critical infrastructure, geopolitical dependencies and the growing competition for technology and skilled workers make it clear that security, prosperity and democratic stability can no longer be considered in isolation. Europe’s ability to manage crises and remain capable of taking action is becoming a crucial issue for the future.

The European Future Technology Summit 2026 in Brussels (VDE/EUREL EFTS), organised by the VDE and the European organisation EUREL, has formulated a clear guiding principle for this: ‘The Resilience Code’. Resilience does not mean the absence of risks. It means being prepared for disruptions, being able to cope with failures and recovering quickly. Whether in energy supply, communications, industry or society: resilience must become a fundamental principle of European action.

The other topics covered in the VDE Policy Brief 3/2026 illustrate exactly what this means. The cellular distribution network is a prime example of infrastructure that is becoming more efficient, more flexible and, at the same time, more resilient. The digitalisation of energy networks opens up new opportunities to reconcile security of supply with the energy transition. At the same time, existing successful models, such as the roll-out of smart metering systems, must be consistently pursued, rather than creating unnecessary complexity and costs through new parallel structures.

Equally crucial are the people behind the technologies. The shortage of skilled workers is increasingly becoming a risk to Germany’s position as a business location and to national security. If Germany trains international talent but a large proportion of them leave the country again after graduating, this weakens our innovative strength and technological sovereignty in the long term. Here, too, resilience is required: in education, the labour market and science policy.

The articles in the latest issue of the VDE Policy Brief make it clear: resilience does not emerge only in times of crisis. It is built through forward-looking policy, high-performance technologies and people who take responsibility. We must set the course for this today so that Germany and Europe can remain free, competitive and capable of taking action tomorrow. I would particularly like to draw your attention to the video report on the VDE/EUREL EFTS 2026.

Markus B. Jaeger
VDE Global Head of Political Affairs
Head of VDE Defense