$402 billion in 2024 defense spending by the EU's 27 members marked Europe's sharpest military buildup in decades, with several countries reviving or expanding compulsory service.
Russia's war in Ukraine and fading faith in U.S. protection are driving the shift: 77% of Europeans see the war as a direct threat, while only 11% in a 15-country poll still view the United States as an ally.
Germany has become the central engine of rearmament, accounting for about a quarter of EU defense spending and targeting $172 billion by 2029, roughly 3.6% of GDP.
Military recruitment is also strengthening: Germany had 12,700 people in voluntary service by March, up 13.5% year on year, while Sweden now accepts fewer than 10% of qualified applicants.
The broader result is a more autonomous European security posture—still anchored in NATO, but increasingly built around regional coalitions, domestic arms production and a more pragmatic partnership with Washington.
As Europe forges its own military, what is the future of the 80-year-old transatlantic security alliance?
Can Europe's massive defense spending deliver real security while facing simultaneous wars in Ukraine and the Middle East?
Is Europe's rush for autonomy the dawn of a new global superpower or a continent fracturing under pressure?
Europe’s Defense Resurgence: €5.3 Billion NATO Budget, Conscription Returns, and the Quest for Security Without America
Overview
Between 2025 and 2026, Europe has seen a dramatic resurgence in defense, marked by a sharp rise in military spending and a renewed commitment to collective security. This shift is driven by NATO’s once-in-a-generation transformation, with leaders agreeing to steadily increase common funding through 2030. The Atlantic Council now tracks how member states are building real military capabilities, while NATO’s budget is set to reach €5.3 billion in 2026, with the United States and Germany each contributing 15%, and the UK and France 10% each. These coordinated efforts highlight Europe’s determination to strengthen its own defense amid changing global dynamics.