In a notable shift in European defense strategy, warnings from both Italian and Danish leaders have underscored the urgent need for increased military preparedness against potential Russian aggression.
On March 19, 2025, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed a stark message regarding Russia's future trajectory—asserting that even if a peace agreement is reached in Ukraine, Moscow's strategic ambitions will endure. In an interview with Il Foglio, Crosetto stated, “Russia will remain in a war footing even after a potential peace agreement in Ukraine, and failing to understand that in the new world, the Russian threat will be a constant means creating conditions for an unsustainable peace.”
This perspective aligns with Crosetto's call for Europe to rethink its security architecture aggressively. He urged European Union (EU) member states to ramp up defense investments, bolster NATO’s influence, and reinforce alignment with the United States. “Giving up American protection and its nuclear deterrence is simply impossible,” he emphasized, indicating a shared transatlantic security approach is vital.
Echoing Crosetto's concerns, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen brought attention to another crucial aspect of Europe's defense capabilities on March 18, 2025. She confidently posited that Europe should achieve full defense self-sufficiency within the next three to five years to counter increasing threats from Russia. Frederiksen highlighted that rearmament has become the EU's “most important task” given the continuous threat posed by Russia. “Russia actively uses sabotage, hybrid attacks, manipulation of migrants, disinformation and fake news to destabilize our countries,” she noted. “Their readiness to fight Europe remains high, and unfortunately, I do not see this changing.”
Frederiksen's remarks underscore a pressing call within the EU for comprehensive military readiness, especially as Russia appears poised to exploit any perceived weaknesses amongst European nations.
In a recent context, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has put forth a significant plan to rearm Europe, systematizing a financial mobilization of approximately €800 billion aimed at enhancing defense mechanisms. This initiative responds to the pressing need for a united and potent European military response.
Crosetto’s advocacy for a more assertive European defense policy is increasingly urgent in light of these developments. He emphasized that strategic autonomy should not function as a rationale for discarding vital American support, particularly emphasizing the importance of NATO in security dialogues. “The Atlantic Alliance is central to Italy’s and Europe’s security and the only reliable guarantee for Ukraine’s future security architecture,” he added, showcasing a consistent stance with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. On the same day as Crosetto's interview, Meloni had addressed the Italian Senate, endorsing NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine.
As Europe reevaluates its defense strategies, experts highlight that many continue to underestimate the military threats posed by Russia. Nicu Popescu, a Distinguished Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), asserts that the perception of Russia as a merely traditional military threat is excessively narrow. “The real threat is not just military and has the potential to unravel the institutional fabric that has kept Europe prosperous, secure and integrated,” he cautioned in remarks shared with Decode39. Popescu posited that the EU should evolve into a serious military power capable of standing on its own, underscoring that any deviation from this will lead to unpredictable consequences.
“If Russia were to launch a provocation, the EU’s response would be critical,” he warned. “Even minimal hesitation or lack of unity could trigger consequences far beyond the battlefield.”
The recent discourse from these high-ranking officials illustrates a unifying theme: the need for not only recognition of the threat but for actionable steps to ensure preparedness. As the war in Ukraine continues, Europe's challenge will be transforming defensive declarations into decisive actions—prioritizing defense spending, fostering interoperable military forces, and solidifying NATO’s eastern flank.
In conclusion, with European leaders rallying under the banner of increased military readiness and collective security, the continent stands at a critical juncture. The steps taken in the coming years will determine not only the efficacy of defense against external threats but also the preservation of stability and prosperity within Europe. Concerted efforts among EU states, fortified by transatlantic ties, will be essential in countering the durable threat posed by Russia, ensuring that Europe remains not only prepared for immediate challenges but resilient in the face of future uncertainties.
