Europe lacks the capabilities needed to carry out long-range strikes, and that gap is already getting in the way of its strategic planning, Euractiv reported.

According to the outlet, the issue is not simply a shortage of specific weapons or technologies. The deeper problem is strategic: Europe does not have an integrated system that would connect these capabilities and make it possible to use them effectively.

Euractiv also pointed to difficulties with intelligence gathering. In this area, Europe still relies heavily on the United States, making it harder for European countries to act quickly and independently.

The Financial Times earlier reported that the European Union could face a years-long security crisis if Washington continues to reduce its military presence in Europe in an unpredictable manner. The newspaper also noted that European countries have projects to develop cruise and ballistic missiles, but many of them remain at an early stage.