A fresh survey has revealed widespread pessimism among Europeans regarding their countries’ military preparedness, with 69 percent of respondents doubting their nation’s ability to repel a Russian attack, even as the European Union advances ambitious defence initiatives targeting full readiness by 2030.
Conducted by pollster Cluster17 for the Paris-based European affairs platform Le Grand Continent, the study canvassed 9,500 people across nine EU member states: Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain.
Only France registered a relatively higher level of confidence, with 44 percent of respondents believing their armed forces could hold off Russian aggression – though a majority (51 percent) remained unconvinced. In contrast, scepticism exceeded 85 percent in Belgium, Italy and Portugal.
“The authors of the poll say geography plays a part in the different perception among EU nations,” the report noted, adding that “countries that feel less capable are geographically distant from Russia and therefore least likely to engage in direct military confrontation with Moscow.”
“Geopolitical distance therefore translates into a weak belief in national preparedness,” the poll’s authors concluded.33504d
Russia’s menacing of Ukraine is unlikely to induce NATO to retreat
The findings emerge amid intensified EU efforts to bolster collective security, including the Readiness 2030 roadmap aimed at mobilising up to 800 billion euros in defence investments and enhancing capabilities against threats like Russian aggression.
Yet the poll underscores a disconnect between official rearmament drives and public sentiment, with many citizens apparently unmoved by announcements of increased spending and joint procurement schemes.
Analysts suggest the results reflect not only perceived military gaps but also an awareness that no single EU state would likely face Russia alone, with conflicts more probable in hybrid forms rather than conventional invasions.ef645c
Tanks Lined Front European Union Eu Stock Photo 2131109300 …
The survey also highlighted broader anxieties, including elevated perceptions of terrorism risks and geopolitical shifts.
Released days after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Moscow “ready right now” for any European confrontation, the data paints a picture of lingering vulnerability in the public mind despite years of heightened alerts over Ukraine.fcaf2b
International Attitudes Toward the U.S., NATO and Russia in a Time …
EU officials have yet to comment directly on the poll, but it adds pressure as leaders grapple with mobilising resources for both Ukraine’s defence and continental deterrence.
