Danish PM: Europe Must Be Able to Fully Defend Itself Within 3-5 Years

Europe must become entirely self-sufficient in defense within the next three to five years to deter a “very aggressive” Russia, which could attack an EU country.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated this in an interview with Politico on Tuesday.

“I am fully in favor of rearming Europe, and I want us to set a very ambitious goal: within three to five years, we must be fully capable of defending ourselves in Europe,” Frederiksen said.

She emphasized that rearmament is now the “most important issue” facing the European Union due to the ongoing threat from Russia. According to Frederiksen, Russia could attempt an attack “in the very short term” if countries fail to take measures to deter it.

“If you look at what they are doing with sabotage, hybrid attacks, the use of migrants… trying to destabilize our countries through disinformation, fake news, and so on, Russia’s readiness to fight against Europe is quite high,” she added.

“I’m not sure that will change, unfortunately,” the prime minister said.

Frederiksen’s comments came as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Tuesday about a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. They did not reach an agreement but stated their intention to continue discussions.

Frederiksen expressed skepticism about Putin’s willingness to end the war.

“I am not very optimistic about Russia because when I look at their behavior, it is so directed against humanity, against Europe, and everything we believe in, that they must prove they want to live a normal neighborly life with us in Europe,” she said.

Background:

• In early March, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced a five-step plan for the rearmament of the EU and support for Ukraine, Rearm Europe, with a proposed budget of up to €800 billion.
• At an emergency EU defense summit on March 6, all EU leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, unanimously voted in favor of Rearm Europe.

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