Last month, defense experts met in Whitehall to discuss Europe’s readiness for potential conflict. Their conclusion? The situation is worrying; preparations are lacking.
This gathering was hosted by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), featuring a mix of military officials, researchers, and government representatives. Their consensus is rooted in a troubling assessment: Russia is gearing up for a possible confrontation with Europe.
To avert war, experts believe Europe needs to strengthen its defense capabilities. Many call for increased investment in underfunded defense systems. However, they stress the need for a mindset shift. The era of complacency about war is over.
Sam Greene, a political professor at King’s College London, noted that public readiness to discuss defense issues is rising. Still, governments seem hesitant to engage openly with their citizens.
Notably, experts argue that Russia is already employing hybrid tactics against the West. This includes sabotage actions and spreading disinformation within European nations. Incidents like unannounced airspace intrusions and attacks on critical infrastructure raise alarms, amplifying fears of aggression. For instance, several European countries have reported Russian drones invading their airspace.
These malicious activities are making people more aware of the looming threat, even if some leaders hesitate to label them as a form of warfare.
As Greene mentioned, public anxiety is growing with visible drone activity. People worry about the potential risks these drones pose.
Moreover, experts caution that while there haven’t been direct assaults on NATO allies so far, the future may not be so predictable. NATO’s Secretary General has echoed concerns about Russia’s military intentions, predicting potential aggression within just five years.
Historical context highlights that European countries, faced with decades of relative peace, have become complacent about defense. Since World War II, Europe enjoyed an extended period without major conflicts, allowing nations to shift their focus toward economic welfare. However, recent events, especially the war in Ukraine, have disrupted this status quo.
In fact, according to NATO, there’s been a dramatic increase in defense spending across member nations. Currently, 31 out of 32 NATO countries are projected to meet a defense spending goal of 2% of GDP. This surge follows President Trump’s insistence that allies could no longer depend solely on the U.S. for security.
Public sentiment reflects this growing concern. Recent Eurobarometer surveys show that 78% of EU citizens are worried about security over the next five years. Many believe that defense spending should be a priority for the bloc.
Additionally, countries like Sweden and Finland are proactively advising citizens on wartime preparedness. They distribute guides on dealing with potential emergencies, including disruptions to communication and power. Other nations are also ramping up military training for civilians, responding to the rising threat.
However, public confidence varies across Europe. Experts like Robin Potter from Chatham House emphasize that citizens who trust their governments are more willing to make personal sacrifices for national security. In contrast, countries with lower levels of trust, such as the UK, may struggle with these challenges.
As tensions persist, the question remains: can Europe rebuild a collective sense of security and preparedness? The time has come for open discussion about defense and the necessary steps that nations must take. The consequences of inaction could be dire.
For more insights on this topic, you can refer to the recent NATO report on defense spending trends [here](https://www.nato.int/content/dam/nato/webready/documents/finance/def-exp-2025-en.pdf).
