Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 profoundly transformed Europe’s strategic landscape, forcing governments across the continent to rethink the foundations of their defence policies. But did the war truly result in a European “Zeitenwende”? This volume provides the first comprehensive analysis of how European countries, the EU, and NATO responded to the largest security shock in Europe since the Cold War. Written by leading experts, the chapters offer empirically grounded analyses of how the war reshaped defence objectives, military procurement, and political debates across Europe. 

The book shows that the war triggered far-reaching changes in threat perceptions, objectives, and military capabilities. Still, significant differences remain in how European states perceive the Russian threat, how rapidly they invest in defence, and how far they are willing and able to adapt. Europe’s security will   ultimately depend on whether European states can cooperate effectively despite persistent national differences, a major challenge that will shape the future of the continent.

Tim Haesebrouck is Assistant Professor at the Ghent Institute of International and European Studies of Ghent University.

Michelle Haas is PhD Researcher at the Ghent Institute for International and European Studies of Ghent University, and Associate Fellow in the Europe in the World program at the Egmont Institute.

Servaas Taghon is PhD Researcher and Teaching Assistant at the Ghent Institute for European and International Studies of Ghent University.