Europe has ramped up defence spending since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but significant gaps in military personnel and capabilities persist, according to a report from the International Institute for Security Studies (IISS).
The findings were presented ahead of the Prague Defence Summit, where defence officials and experts are discussing Europe’s security needs and military readiness.
According to the IISS, NATO’s European members will spend almost 50 percent more on defence in 2024 compared to 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. However, European forces still rely heavily on the United States for support across key military domains, underscoring the continent’s longstanding dependency on American defence.
The report points to a lack of soldiers as a major issue, with European forces facing recruitment challenges and struggling to attract younger recruits. Despite efforts to boost military manufacturing, especially in air defence and artillery, and a push to source more weapons from European arms manufacturers, manpower shortages continue to limit Europe’s military strength.
The IISS warns that these challenges may become more urgent if the US reconsiders its support for Europe’s security—a concern heightened by Donald Trump’s return to the White House.