Governments throughout Europe have steadily increased their military budgets, highlighting the need for preparedness should conflict extend into NATO regions.
The recent surge of Russian strikes on Ukraine serves as a stark reminder that the war is nearby. It also showcases the vulnerability Europe could face if the conflict penetrates NATO territory.
President Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. military assets from Europe has left NATO allies scrambling to address the gaps. Efforts to compensate are underway, but officials and experts warn that Europe has a long way to go. Mark Rutte, NATO’s secretary general, emphatically remarked in January, “If anyone thinks Europe can defend itself without the U.S., keep on dreaming. We can’t. We need each other.”
Incidences of Russian fighter jets testing NATO airspace have risen. Drones frequently breach European territory near western Ukraine, and Russia’s ballistic missiles in Ukraine, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, could hit European capitals in mere minutes.
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz recently highlighted Poland’s vigilance during Russian attacks, ensuring their borders remained well-defended with the aid of French and Dutch forces. He stressed, “Poland remained safe! Investing in a modern army and strong alliances allows Poles to feel secure.”
In an upcoming meeting in Ankara, Turkey, NATO leaders will evaluate if European members contribute enough to security costs post-decades of reliance on U.S. support. Although military spending by European allies rose by $90 billion last year compared to 2024, many nations still balance these expenses with other priorities such as healthcare, pensions, and housing.
Europe’s aid to Ukraine has increased substantially as American support dwindled under Trump this past year. The European Union has recently started providing Ukraine with six billion euros (approximately $6.8 billion) as part of a larger loan package to bolster its defenses. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, asserted, “We keep raising the cost until Russia understands it cannot win.”
Lara Jakes, known for her coverage of conflict and diplomacy, focuses on weapons and the Ukraine and Middle East wars. She brings over three decades of journalistic experience to her reporting from Rome.