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Full of sound and fury: The harsh reality behind Europe’s defence pledges
The figures don’t tell the full story. There’s also the problem of finding people willing to fight for their country.
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Europe is facing its most acute security challenge in over half a century.
PHOTO: AFP
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Another week, another summit of European leaders. The format is by now familiar: heads of state and government gather to proclaim that their continent is facing a grave security challenge, pledge to work together and then announce a new initiative to spend money on their militaries – which usually consists of touting a big figure sum, with lots of zeros. Then, the leaders go away, only to reassemble a few days later to repeat the same procedure.
Undoubtedly, Europe is facing its most acute security challenge in over half a century. US President Donald Trump seems determined to sacrifice Ukrainian territory and hand Russian President Vladimir Putin a victory Moscow is bound to use as a springboard for further European adventures. And under Mr Trump, nobody can trust the US security guarantee to defend Europe.
