Rethinking European Security in the Post-Atlantic Era

In the context of a possible US disengagement from Europe, the study published by Kiel Institute for the World Economy paints an alarming picture: to ensure a credible deterrence against Russian aggression, Europe would need 300,000 more soldiers and to increase defense spending by at least 250 billion euros per year. The figure, although impressive, is justified by the constant strengthening of Russian forces, with 700,000 men in Ukraine and an intense industrial production of armaments. However, spending alone is not enough: common strategic planning among European states is essential. Without an integrated command, a shared operational doctrine and a unified logistics chain, investments risk being dispersed in inefficiencies. Furthermore, it is necessary to rely on companies that are truly expert in the military sector, even those outside the continent: US and Israeli industries, which have been continuously innovating for decades, represent models to follow or collaborate with. European security cannot be left to chance or national fragmentation. It is time to recognize that Europe, if it wants to survive as an independent political actor, must change its paradigm.

Industry, technology and a new civic spirit

The necessary change is not only material, but cultural. A profound rethinking of the relationship between civil society and defense is needed: public opinion must understand that the war effort – or rather, preparation for war – does not only concern armies, but involves the entire population. Defending the European model of freedom, pluralism and well-being means accepting collective participation in the strategic effort, from industrial production to recruitment and training. Drones play a central role, a true military revolution of the 21st century. Only by fully understanding the potential of these tools – in combat, surveillance, logistics and electronic warfare – can Europe aspire to strategic credibility. No less important is the construction of a robust cyber defense infrastructure, capable of protecting civilian and military networks from intrusions, sabotage and disinformation campaigns. Without a solid cyber defense, any modern army risks being blinded and paralyzed. This technological shift is the key to avoiding a return to an analog era, in which digital vulnerability translates into tactical defeat.

Strategic Formation and National Resilience

Alongside technological innovation and military integration, Europe must also invest decisively in training a ruling class aware of the strategic challenges of our time. It is urgent to strengthen the culture of defence in schools, universities and professional training. It is not just a matter of creating new military officers or technicians, but of developing a civilian elite capable of understanding modern warfare, making informed decisions and leading a society ready to resist in the event of a crisis. National resilience starts with knowledge, not just weapons.

A challenge for Europe's identity

This strategic transformation is not just about countering the Russian threat. It is part of a much broader challenge: that between models of civilization. Europe finds itself between two opposite poles – on the one hand, the United States, with a robust democracy but different in its values and priorities; on the other, powers like China or Russia, founded on authoritarian and centralized systems. Defending Europe means defending a unique model of political coexistence, based on rights, the rule of law, cooperation and economic freedom. If Europe intends to survive as an autonomous entity, it must build a military pillar worthy of its civilization. This requires coordinated investments, military production on a European scale, interoperability between national armed forces, a shared strategic mindset and advanced technological integration. The time for hesitation is over: we must face the future with realism, clarity and determination. Only in this way will the European Union be able to face the challenges of the 21st century, not as a simple spectator, but as a protagonist.

Source: https://www.bruegel.org/analysis/defending-europe-without-us-first-estimates-what-needed