Preparedness and resilience foundational to economic stability
A Matheson Security and Defence leadership briefing has highlighted cyber security and digital infrastructure as among the key priorities in European security.
The views were shared via a pulse survey of attendees at a Matheson EU Presidency briefing which took place at the firm’s Dublin office. The event featured keynote addresses from General Seán Clancy, Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, and Tobias Ellwood, leading commentator on defence, who explored the strategic priorities for EU security policy, the evolving threat landscape, and resilience planning during Ireland’s Presidency year. General Clancy and Mr Ellwood also joined Matheson’s Managing Partner, Darren Maher, and Head of the Technology and Innovation Group at Matheson, Marie McGinley, for respective Q&A discussions.
Speaking at the event, General Seán Clancy, discussed the importance of preparedness, emphasising the need for enhancing readiness and resilience across the entire society as foundational to security, and in turn, prosperity. Commenting General Clancy said: “Across Europe there is a growing recognition that security and resilience are foundations of economic stability. Ireland is a critical node in that system. Ireland’s prosperity is built on connectivity, on data, trade and global integration. In today’s environment, those same strengths also create vulnerability. Building resilience across government, industry and society is essential to protecting Ireland’s success.”
Tobias Ellwood, leading commentator on defence, said: “We must view security and the economy as inextricably linked; when security falters, prosperity falters too, draining revenue and straining government budgets, including defence. Prosperity depends on credible national and collective security, so it’s important that our defence posture can advance and evolve at a European level to sustain growth.”
Matheson’s Managing Partner, Darren Maher, commented: “Security and defence is set to be a defining theme of Ireland’s EU Presidency, and today’s poll shows these issues are now firmly on the boardroom agenda. Leaders increasingly view them as central to organisational resilience. It is clear that preparedness is ultimately about the prosperity and security of our citizens, and today’s discussions underlined that a more considered national conversation on this topic is needed.”
Live polling captured during the event revealed clear trajectories in how security is defined and prioritised today:
- Expansion of the security concept: When asked which area best illustrates how the concept of security has expanded beyond its traditional definition, 92% said protecting digital infrastructure and critical data networks.
- Board oversight: 93% said cyber security and digital infrastructure risks are actively monitored and reported on by their board; 47% cited sanctions and export control compliance; 37% cited hybrid threats such as disinformation and interference in operations.
- Private sector responsibility: Two thirds of respondents (66%) strongly agree that private sector organisations, particularly those operating critical infrastructure or strategic supply chains, have a responsibility to actively contribute to national and European security resilience.
Matheson provides Irish and EU legal expertise and strategic insight for businesses engaging with EU institutions and preparing for upcoming legislative and regulatory developments. For more updates, visit Matheson’s EU Presidency Hub.
Pictured (L – R): Marie McGinley, partner and Head of the Technology and Innovation Group at Matheson; General Seán Clancy, Chairman of the European Union Military Committee; Darren Maher, Managing Partner, Matheson; Tobias Ellwood, leading commentator on defence; and Claire Scannell, Head of Strategy, Planning and Communications, Matheson.