EU leaders warn 2026 could be a make-or-break year for Europe
Photo: EU leaders believe 2026 could become decisive for Europe (Vitalii Nosach / RBC-Ukraine)
Europe must defend its interests more decisively in order to secure peace and prosperity in 2026 amid challenges linked to Russia’s aggression, global protectionism, and changing relations with the United States, according to Euractiv.
Europeans are ending the year under pressure from several challenges at once: Russia continues shelling Ukraine, new cases of sabotage of underwater cables are being recorded, and relations with Washington are becoming more complicated.
"From Paris to Warsaw, the bloc’s leaders put on a brave face in their end-of-year addresses, trying to balance honesty about the scale of the challenges facing Europe while also projecting strength through unity," the article says.
In his New Year’s address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the "terrible" war raging on Europe’s doorstep poses a direct threat to the continent’s freedom and security.
"Russia’s aggression was and is part of a plan targeted against the whole of Europe", Merz said.
He added that Germany faces daily sabotage, espionage, and cyberattacks.
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke about a worsening global mood marked by a “return of empires, the collapse of the international order, a world of trade wars, and growing instability.”
Polish President Karol Nawrocki stressed that peace is always more valuable than war, and that Europe must maintain both economic and military resilience.
Merz acknowledged that the EU’s partnership with the United States, which for a long time served as a security guarantee, is changing, emphasizing: “We do not depend on the goodwill of great powers.”
Macron added that France would defend its values of humanity, peace, and freedom, warning of the threat of foreign interference ahead of elections.
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez focused on the country’s economic achievements, dismissing calls for early elections, while Italian President Sergio Mattarella urged young people to feel responsible for the future of their country.
According to the article, Europe’s ability to defend itself depends on the strength of its economy, cutting bureaucracy, lowering taxes, and ensuring affordable energy.
Russia preparing for war with NATO
In September 2025, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that threats from Russia concern the entire Western world. Russia is shifting its economy onto a war footing, expanding weapons production, and increasingly mobilizing people in order to be ready for a war with NATO by 2030.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War believe Moscow is intensifying its covert attacks against Europe and has already entered the “zero phase” of preparations for a possible war with NATO.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on the Alliance to increase defense spending to 5% to avoid a situation where Russia suddenly becomes significantly stronger than the entire Alliance.
