EU must prepare for possible Russian offensive — General Robert Brieger

He said this in an interview with ZDF.

According to him, the security of the continent requires significant investment, close cooperation and deep social rethinking.

General Briger emphasized that Russia is currently the biggest conventional threat to Europe. He also noted that Moscow poses a significant danger in the so-called “hybrid zone”. In this regard, Europe must significantly strengthen its resilience.

He noted that this also involves greater public engagement and raising awareness that security comes at a cost. “We must adapt to a new reality,” the general said. While he does not foresee an immediate conventional military assault on an EU member state, he warned that areas of the Baltic countries bordering Russia could be at risk. This, he emphasized, is why deeper cooperation in security, defense, and arms policy is essential.

Despite the importance of military support from the United States, Brieger stated that Europe must increasingly take responsibility for its own security. According to him, this requires not only financial investment but also a profound societal rethink, given the threats posed by long-range weapons and hybrid warfare.

He emphasized that Russia’s attack on Ukraine was a “wake-up call.” While the U.S. strategic pivot toward the Indo-Pacific had long been expected, Europe is now feeling the consequences.

“We’re currently spending an average of 1.9% of Europe’s gross domestic product on defense,” the general noted, adding that this is “a significant increase compared to previous years, so it’s not accurate to say nothing is happening.”

However, he stressed that “more could always be done.” The goal, he explained, is both to support Ukraine in its self-defense and to strengthen the EU’s own long-term defense capabilities as part of a stronger European pillar within NATO.

• Earlier this week, on May 21, EU countries agreed to establish a €150 billion+ defense fund, Security Action for Europe (SAFE).