Europe Gears Up for War – Part 1: Frenzied Armament Begins, Shelters Being Built

Magyar Nemzet is launching a series of articles exploring Europe’s growing militarization, which may reflect intentions to prepare for an impending war. In this first part, we detail the sharp rise in defense spending: for instance, in 2024, Poland raised its defense expenditures to 4 percent of its GDP—twice the NATO target. Meanwhile, the EU is planning large-scale defense industry developments, some of which are to be financed through loans. The scale of war preparedness is further underscored by the fact that several member states are now reinforcing civilian defense infrastructure—such as bomb shelters, air raid sirens, and emergency stockpiles.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas at EU summit press conference in Brussels. June 28, 2024. Von der Leyen was re-elected president of the Commission and Kallas was elected High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. (Photo by Olivier Hoslet/MTI/EPA)

The United Kingdom has also increased its defense budget due to the war. In early 2025—after a change in government—the new British prime minister confirmed that defense spending will be raised to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027. This will mean an additional 13.4 billion pounds annually over current levels. The help provided to Ukraine during the war revealed significant weaknesses in the UK’s armed forces, including the urgent need to expand ammunition production capacities. This issue has become evident across EU countries as well, underscoring the need to shake up the defense industry.

Europe Awakening?

In March 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a five-point initiative called "ReArm Europe", aimed at strengthening the EU’s defense industry and boosting military capabilities.

The latest EU plan aims to mobilize nearly 800 billion euros, which member states could direct toward defense investments. Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe must be prepared to guarantee its own security—especially in light of the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine. The plan also aims to provide urgent military assistance to Ukraine.

The document titled "White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030" was published by the European Commission in March 2025. Among its main goals are addressing Europe's military capability gaps, supporting the defense industry, deepening the single defense market, speeding up innovation, and improving Europe's preparedness for worst-case scenarios. The White Paper emphasizes that Europe must act proactively to safeguard its own security and always be ready for the worst possible outcomes.

Borrowing Again

Europe would finance part or all of its defense spending through joint debt issuance. Actions taken by the new US administration could accelerate the realization of this plan:  Trump’s statements—that Europe must look after its own regional security and provide Ukraine with security guarantees against Russia—are pressing the EU to secure funding fast for military investments. As a result, the European Commission proposed issuing 150 billion euros in joint debt to finance European arms purchases as part of the previously mentioned 800 billion euro package. Frugal countries countries that would traditionally oppose joint borrowing, like the Netherlands, are now less resistant, especially since Germany's Germany's support has swung the dynamic of the conversation. 

However, borrowing for the development of the defense industry won’t be plain sailing. EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius stated that the EU is not yet ready to issue common bonds—so-called Eurobonds—for the purpose of increasing defense spending. Kubilius pointed out that Eurobonds would increase the EU’s overall debt, which all member states would have to repay collectively, even as repaying existing debt already poses challenges. 

He emphasized that before committing to any new joint debt, member states should first fully utilize the existing instruments and options available to enhance defense capabilities.

Photo: MTI/EPA/PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Common European Army?

A recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a renowned American national security think tank, argued that Europe’s defense structure—based on multiple national armies—is ineffective and unsustainable without U.S. support. Although the bloc has nearly two million soldiers and spends about 338 billion dollars annually on defense, the resources are not used efficiently due to fragmented and overlapping military capabilities.

The authors recommend establishing a joint European army, which would allow for more efficient spending, better coordination of operations, and increased strategic autonomy for Europe.

An article published by Verfassungsblog, known for its in-depth legal, constitutional, and international law analysis, outlines three key decisions that EU member states must make to build a joint European army. First, they must decide to what extent they are willing to share sovereignty and decision-making power within a common defense structure. Second, they need to agree on how to fund a common military force, taking into account the varying economic situations and defense budgets of member states. Third, they must reach consensus on the army’s strategic priorities and deployment criteria, considering the differences in national interests and perceived threats. This will undoubtedly be a long and complex process.

Civil Defense

While EU military development might come together relatively quickly, the creation of a common European army remains a long-term goal. However, there is one area where member states have made notable progress compared to past decades: the renovation of neglected civil defense infrastructure, which deteriorated across much of Europe after the Cold War. This mainly includes bomb shelters, air raid sirens, and emergency stockpiles.

After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, several countries embarked on construction and renovation projects. In Germany, lawmakers even proposed a law requiring newly built apartment buildings to include  safe shelters—similar to regulations already in place in Poland.

On April 23, 2023, after more than a decade of preparation, the UK government conducted a nationwide test of its new emergency alert system. The system is designed to warn the population in life-threatening situations. During the test, all compatible mobile phones emitted a loud, siren-like sound and displayed a text message informing users of the nature of the alert and necessary actions.

Polish authorities established distribution points for free iodine tablets in response to fears of a nuclear accident at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Tablets were also delivered to schools, town halls, and fire stations to ensure quick access in case of emergency.

Numerous signs suggest that Europe is preparing for war. But does the continent have the military strength to back this up? We’ll explore this question in the next installment of our series.

(To be continued)