Europe is confronting a harsh reality long avoided: post–Cold War security assumptions no longer hold. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, clearer signals from Washington, and warnings from military leaders have forced the EU to reassess its defense posture. The urgency is unprecedented—not because war is inevitable, but because unpreparedness is no longer acceptable.

For decades, European security relied on diplomacy, economic ties, and NATO’s American backing. That framework now shows strain. The war in Ukraine continues, alliances feel conditional, and confidence in automatic U.S. support has weakened. EU officials are speaking in concrete terms: stockpiles, timelines, transport corridors, and response readiness, focusing on preparation rather than debate.

The invasion shattered the belief that large-scale war in Europe was a thing of the past. Washington has emphasized that Europe must take on greater responsibility for its defense, financially, industrially, and operationally. In late 2024, the EU approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, while Ursula von der Leyen outlined initiatives to strengthen deterrence by 2030.

Leaders issued stark warnings: Putin suggested prolonged confrontation, NATO’s Mark Rutte noted Russia could target NATO territory within five years, and Germany’s Boris Pistorius called the summer of 2025 Europe’s “last summer of peace.”

Public readiness lags behind policy. A Euronews poll found three-quarters of respondents unwilling to fight for EU borders, highlighting a gap between planning and popular willingness. Concern is highest in countries near Russia, including Poland, Lithuania, and Denmark.

Eastern and Northern European states have moved quickly. Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Finland, and Sweden expanded civil defense measures, border fortifications, and public guidance. Sweden redistributed its “If Crisis or War Comes” guide to every household in 2025, and search trends show citizens preparing practically for emergencies.

At the EU level, defense spending exceeded €300 billion in 2024. Programs like Readiness 2030 aim to move forces across borders within hours, while ReArm Europe coordinates industrial output. Significant loans and funding mechanisms, including €150 billion via the Strategic Armament Financing Envelope, accelerate procurement.

Europe now faces a narrow window to translate awareness into capability. Strategic complacency has ended, and whether preparation can keep pace with evolving threats will define the continent’s security for decades.