ADVERTISEMENT
The pressure from the United States remains a constant, albeit friction-filled, variable. Washington has made it clear that by 2027, it expects Europe to lead NATO’s conventional defense. While the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague saw allies agree to a target of 5% of GDP for defense spending by 2035, many European nations find this goal nearly impossible given current fiscal constraints. The tension peaked when EU officials, including Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and Kaja Kallas, rejected a U.S. assessment that characterized Europe as a “weakened partner.” They asserted that while the partnership is vital, Europe will not allow its democratic internal policies or strategic autonomy to be dictated by Washington.
Ultimately, Europe is engaged in a race against its own structural limits. Even with hundreds of billions of euros committed, the continent faces regulatory bottlenecks, aging demographics, and a manufacturing sector that has been hollowed out by decades of peace. The “Readiness 2030” survey confirmed that procurement cycles remain sluggish and production limits are still being tested. However, the sheer volume of interest in the SAFE facility—with requests already covering 700 projects and seeking €50 billion in funding—suggests that the engine of European defense is finally turning over. The central question for Brussels has shifted from a debate over the necessity of rearmament to a desperate sprint toward capacity. Europe is no longer wondering if the world is dangerous; it is wondering if it can rebuild its shield before the storm arrives.
