DGAP on the Illusion of European Defense Cohesion: The North Is Mobilizing, the South Is Hesitating
The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced a fundamental reassessment of European defense. While EU and NATO member states have pledged greater investment, deeper… 
The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced a fundamental reassessment of European defense. While EU and NATO member states have pledged greater investment, deeper cooperation, and long-term support for Kyiv, the practical response has been uneven. The Baltic states, Poland, and the Scandinavian countries have quickly strengthened their deterrence and resilience. Southern and some parts of Central Europe have proceeded more cautiously. These governments have questioned the need for further increases in defense spending (Spain) or expressed doubts about the sustainability of long-term military support for Ukraine (Hungary, Slovakia). Other countries, notably Germany, fall between these two poles…
