23:01 04-05-2026

Europe Faces Rising Security Risks Amid NATO Concerns

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European leaders warn the next two years may bring rising security risks, citing NATO uncertainty, US policy shifts, and concerns over regional defense readiness.

Concerns are mounting within Europe’s political leadership that the next one to two years could bring heightened security risks for the region, Politico reports, citing three European politicians familiar with ongoing discussions.

According to the publication, there is a growing belief within the EU that Moscow might use this period to test Western unity and NATO’s resolve. The timing, as seen in European capitals, is sensitive: Donald Trump, whose stance is viewed as unfavorable toward Europe, is expected to remain in power, while the EU is unlikely to strengthen its military capabilities quickly enough.

These worries are not confined to political circles. Representatives of the defense sector and lawmakers across Europe are said to share similar assessments.

One member of the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee from Finland, Mika Aaltola, indicated that the situation could produce unexpected developments, suggesting that Russia may perceive a window of opportunity. In his view, the weakening of transatlantic ties, the US scaling back its role in Europe, and the EU’s incomplete readiness to assume full responsibility for its own defense all contribute to this fragile moment.

At the same time, sources cited by Politico stress that while the possibility of a large-scale conflict between Russia and NATO cannot be entirely ruled out, the likelihood of such a scenario being initiated by Moscow remains very low.