The commentary delivers a brutal diagnosis of how Europe now talks about itself – and why it is doing real damage. Europe’s leaders increasingly frame the EU as helpless, late and outmatched, not because it is always true, but because humiliation has become a communications strategy. The piece argues that this habit, meant to shock publics into accepting reforms or sacrifices, is backfiring badly.

European political élites are claiming that democracy is being threatened, and they have found a bizarre way out. The European Union suggested creating a European Democracy Shield (EDS).

France still sees itself as a leader, but this study questions how far that ambition can travel in today’s Europe. Paris has military assets, diplomatic reach and strategic instinct. What it lacks is a stable platform to turn intent into sustained leadership. Capability exists. Consistency does not.

United Europe seems to realize it should somehow respond to the large-scale U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran. Otherwise, the EU countries may be left out of the possible division of the Middle Eastern pie – a most undesirable situation for Old World politicians whose phantom memories about former colonial empires are still alive.

As the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran escalates in gross violation of international law, there is a growing conviction that European governments must take a firm stand in respect of this conflict. Why Europe must assert diplomacy but prepare for humanitarian catastrophe is the question examined in detail by Ellie Geranmayeh, senior policy fellow and deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Spoiler: Europe cannot do without confronting Trump.

Germany is pouring billions into military space, and this commentary asks whether the bet will pay off. Berlin wants satellites, resilience and strategic relevance, but the analysis makes clear that money alone will not fix deep capability gaps. Space is becoming central to modern warfare, and Germany is starting late in a crowded, unforgiving race.

'Let's be really honest: it's a mess.' That was the assessment offered by UK Minister for Veterans Al Carns as he commented on the 2026 armed forces bill and the insignificant changes it makes in the British draft and mobilization system.

With America’s credibility constantly eroding, Europeans are looking for alternatives to the U.S. nuclear umbrella.

Europe is talking war, but preparing peace. This report strips away the speeches and summit slogans to reveal a defence posture that looks busy yet delivers almost nothing at speed. While threats multiply on Europe’s borders, the EU’s military readiness remains slow, fragmented and painfully unfit for a real crisis.

Europe keeps talking about standing on its own feet, but this analysis shows how shaky the ground really is. Military autonomy sounds bold, yet the hard decisions keep being postponed. With war back on the continent and US politics unpredictable, Europe faces a brutal question it still refuses to answer: what actually comes first when independence costs real money and power?