The essays in this compilation were originally presented at the ELF and LYMEC workshop “Defending Europe – The military future of our continent” and the final versions in this compilation draw on discussions during the event. It is worth noting, that the workshop was organised the week before the Brussels attacks in March 2016, and even though the authors were given the possibility to finalise their papers after the event most participants chose to simply include the information and new insights gained during the event, not in the aftermath of the attacks. During the months that have passed since the event the discussion on a common European defence has gotten more attention and is now a common topic on the agenda in the European institutions. This publication is therefore more timely than ever, and will hopefully provide insight to how young liberals in Europe view the topic.