European Council president Charles Michel said that Europe must strengthen its defense measures and shift to a “war economy.”
The statement comes as many European nations believe Russia will remain a threat in its war with Ukraine before possibly targeting other countries.
Michel also used his statement to advocate for more funds to be given to Ukraine.
“If we do not get the EU’s response right and do not give Ukraine enough support to stop Russia, we are next. We must therefore be defense-ready and shift to a ‘war economy’ mode,” he wrote in an op-ed, adding, “We must strengthen our military ability both for Ukraine and Europe, to defend the democratic world. A stronger EU will also contribute to a stronger NATO alliance and enhance our collective defence.”
The European Union has poured billions of dollars into Ukraine. It recently announced an additional $5 billion euros, or $5.5 billion U.S. dollars, for Ukraine on top of a $54.5 billion package announced last June.
NATO military committee chief Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer made similar comments in January, saying the West needs to prepare for a “conflict with Russia.”
“You need to have water, flashlights, and a radio on batteries to make sure you survive the first 36 hours,” he said. “Things like that, simple things. But it starts there, the realization that not everything is plannable.”
“I’m not saying it is going wrong tomorrow, but we have to realize it’s not a given that we are in peace. And that’s why we [NATO] are preparing for a conflict with Russia,” he noted, emphasizing, “We are not seeking any conflict. But if they attack us, we have to be ready.”
According to European outlets, General Wiesław Kukuła of Poland said during a debate that Russia may engage in a conflict with NATO within “the next decade or so.”
“Russia is preparing for a conflict with NATO, fully aware that the Alliance is a defensive structure,” he stated.
German children are also undergoing war preparations, according to RT.
Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger said that children should prepare for war to “strengthen” their “resilience.”
“Society as a whole must prepare well for crises, from a pandemic to natural disasters to war. Civil defense is immensely important, and it also belongs in schools. The goal must be to strengthen our resilience,” she explained.
Stark-Watzinger added that it may be beneficial if a military presence visits schools to allow for a “relaxed relationship” between children and the German Armed Forces.
Swedish journalist and political commentator Peter Imanuelsen reacted to the declaration on X, writing, “German children ‘should be prepared for war’ the country’s education minister has said.”
“Not long ago Sweden warned that people must be prepared for war.’ What’s going on?”
