The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has published a study that shows that Europe does not have enough military personnel and resources to ensure its own security in the event of an armed conflict. The report comes at a time when European countries are concerned about the future of US support, as Donald Trump may win the next US election. At the same time, there are growing calls to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities.
Insufficient recruitment of young people and dependence on the US
The study notes that young people in Europe are not encouraged to join the military, which leads to a reduction in the size of the armed forces. Europe’s major armies remain small and dependent on the military capabilities of the United States. Despite a 50 per cent increase in defence spending after the annexation of Crimea in 2014, European countries continue to rely on US support.
Reducing the arsenal and resuming production
Since the end of the Cold War, Europe’s arsenal has shrunk significantly, which has become particularly evident in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, since 2022, the production of defence products, particularly in the field of air defence and artillery, has been gradually increasing. For example, the German company Rheinmetall has increased its annual production of 155-mm ammunition tenfold, to 700,000 units. Half of the defence orders of European NATO members are now fulfilled by European companies, compared to 34% for US systems.
Strengthening the EU’s defence budget and refusing to be “eternally dependent” on the United States
The new European Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, stressed that the EU should increase defence spending not only because of possible political changes in the United States, but also because of the growing threat from Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron also said that European countries should not “delegate forever” their security to Washington, stressing the need to strengthen European defence.
Photo: 110th Mechanised Brigade on Twitter / Defence of Ukraine
