EU should prepare for war by end of decade, German Defence Minister warns
The German Defence Minister warns of escalating Russian threats by the end of the decade, urging European countries to fortify their defence industries and adapt to geopolitical shifts, Euronews reports.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius issued a stark warning that Europe could be facing heightened threats from Russia by the end of the decade in a recent interview published in German newspaper, Welt am Sonntag.
Pistorius emphasised the urgent need for European Union countries to bolster their defence industries in preparation for potential challenges, especially in light of the possibility of reduced U.S. engagement on the continent.
Pistorius highlighted the seriousness of Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats, stating, "[Putin's] threats against the Baltic states, Georgia, and Moldova must be taken very seriously. This is not just sabre-rattling. We could be facing dangers by the end of this decade."
With the geopolitical landscape evolving, Pistorius called for European countries to adapt swiftly. He urged nations to catch up in terms of armed forces, industry, and society, underscoring a five to eight-year window to enhance defence capabilities.
Notably, Germany has intensified efforts to rebuild its armed forces, drawing on a €100 billion special fund established in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
