The outcome of the British referendum together with a series of terror attacks have been fuelling an unprecedented sentiment of anxiety across Europe. If we want to fight against a populist trend which an anti-European sentiment is feeding, we must give our citizens efficient responses to their concerns, starting from security issues. The defence sector can provide a most fitting answer. The exit of Britain from the EU has left the Union without a member State with remarkable military capabilities. We must come up with new scenarios for common defence. By relaunching it, we could strengthen our capability to operate in areas of crises and against terrorism, but it would also carry a major political impact. [...]