Europe can mobilize its economy in short time, but there’s a catch - Expert
Photo: Maksym Nesvitailov, political scientist, international affairs expert (facebook.com/nesvitaylov)
European Union (EU) countries can mobilize their economies in a short time, but the question is how quickly political understanding of the inevitability of a global conflict will emerge, political scientist and international affairs expert Maksym Nesvitailov shares this in a comment to RBC-Ukraine's YouTube channel.
According to Nesvitailov, Ukraine is interested in a stronger and more independent Europe.
He noted that the EU is already developing an understanding that increasing defense budgets is inevitable. Specifically, there are no unnecessary debates, apart from discussions on how quickly this can be implemented.
"If things don’t work out with the United States, we can still manage with Europe, although not without difficulties. In fact, if desired, this (mobilization of Europe’s economy – ed.) can be done in a short time. It’s more about how quickly political understanding of the inevitability of a global conflict will emerge," he added.
Increase in NATO defense spending
Earlier, the sitting US President, Donald Trump, repeatedly urged NATO members to increase their defense spending. Moreover, last year, he threatened to "encourage" Russia to "do anything it wants" with those who fail to meet their financial commitments to the Alliance.
In January 2025, Trump called on Alliance members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Meanwhile, Lithuania and Estonia have already promised to achieve the aforementioned defense spending.
