EU's top diplomat warns: Full-scale war in Europe 'no longer fantasy'

Josep Borrell, the European Union's Foreign Policy Chief, has issued a stark warning that the notion of warfare in Europe is far from mere fantasy, underscoring the need for preparation. Reflecting on the current geopolitical tensions, Borrell told the Financial Times, "War is certainly approaching us."

In his address to foreign officials, Borrell highlighted that Europe faces significant threats from Russia, not only due to hybrid attacks on EU nations but also because of its ongoing aggression in Ukraine, as reported by the Financial Times.

Against this backdrop, Borrell stressed the importance of gearing up for a potential large-scale conflict. "Full-scale war in Europe is no longer a fantasy," he firmly stated.

The Financial Times underscored that Borrell's remarks mark the first occasion the EU’s top diplomat openly recognized Russia as a clear and present danger. This acknowledgment comes in the wake of several leaders voicing concerns over the likelihood of Russia expanding its military actions beyond Ukraine.

"We need a new intergovernmental financing tool, akin to what was devised during the financial crisis," the politician urged.

It's crucial to recall that the European Commission unveiled its inaugural EU defense industry strategy earlier in March. This blueprint lays out the roadmap for addressing the challenges the European armament sector faces regarding technological and industrial foundations. The European Commission advocates for member states to "invest more, better, together, and in Europe."

Moreover, the Commission is advocating for a unified approach to defining the collective armament demands of the member states. It aims to ensure the accessibility of defense products by fostering the industrial base and garnering financial support from national and EU budgets to tailor the European defense industry to the evolving security landscape.

Significantly, the European Commission has set ambitious targets for the continent's defense spending. By 2030, it seeks to have 50 percent of EU countries' national armament budgets spent within the European Union, which will rise to 60 percent by 2035.