Europe is rapidly preparing for potential conflict as 13 countries coordinate defense measures in response to rising Russian aggression and pressure from the U.S. Long reliant on diplomacy and transatlantic security, the EU is now accelerating military spending, infrastructure upgrades, and joint defense programs like ReArm Europe. While governments act decisively—especially in Eastern Europe—public readiness remains low, with most citizens unwilling to fight. Brussels faces structural and industrial challenges, and the central question has shifted: Europe must act fast enough to defend itself before threats escalate.