The Mystery of Scaring Europe: EU Using 'Russian Threat' to Drive Militarization

Tehran - BORNA - According to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, European Union officials are consistently warning voters about a "Russian threat" to secure public backing for policies that were unthinkable a decade ago, such as mandatory military service and significant budget reallocations toward defense.

The Strategy of Fear

The Wall Street Journal writes that after a generation of peace, Europe is telling its citizens to prepare for war. As U.S. President Donald Trump moves to negotiate a peace deal for Ukraine, European leaders are sounding the alarm that Russia could target their countries next.

European security officials now regularly broadcast a message that would have been unimaginable ten years ago: "Prepare for conflict with Russia."

This sense of urgency has intensified with the Trump administration's efforts to end the war in Ukraine. In European capitals, there is deep concern that Ukraine may be pushed into an "unbalanced" peace deal that could leave it vulnerable and potentially "embolden" Putin to focus military resources on Europe’s eastern flank.

Militarization vs. Social Welfare

Retired Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, recently the most senior military official in NATO, argued that Europe must prepare for war to deter Russia. He noted that Russia's military-industrial complex is producing more than it needs for Ukraine, fueling fears of a rapid buildup against Europe.

The report suggests that European officials privately admit voters will only support the "necessary sacrifices"—from higher taxes to conscription—if they believe an attack is imminent.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently urged European nations to adopt a "war mindset" and increase spending to be ready to "fight the Russians," claiming allies are the "next target."

Moscow’s Response: 'An Imaginary Threat'

In contrast to the rhetoric in Brussels and other European capitals, Moscow has repeatedly denied any plans to attack NATO or the EU.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has rejected claims of aggressive intent toward Europe, stating he is prepared to put such guarantees in writing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously told American journalist Tucker Carlson that Western politicians frighten their people with an "imaginary Russian threat" to distract from domestic internal problems.

The Kremlin has noted that while Russia poses no threat to anyone, it will not ignore NATO’s unprecedented activity along its western borders, which Moscow views as potentially dangerous to its national interests.

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